Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called India and the US “natural partners” after President Donald Trump shared a friendly message describing him as a “dear friend” and hinting at new progress in stalled trade talks. “India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I believe our trade talks will open up huge opportunities for both countries. Our teams are working hard to finish these discussions soon,” PM Modi posted on X.
Earlier, Trump had written on Truth Social that negotiations with India were moving forward and that he was confident of a positive outcome. “I am pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!”
Responding to this, PM Modi said he also looked forward to their conversation. “We will work together for a brighter and more prosperous future for our people,” he added.
This exchange comes at a time when relations between the two countries are tense due to Washington’s 50 per cent tariffs on India over its oil trade with Russia.
India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward… pic.twitter.com/3K9hlJxWcl
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2025
Trump’s softer tone towards India comes right after his administration raised tariffs sharply, 25 per cent on Indian goods and another 25 per cent on India’s Russian oil imports, making it a total of 50 per cent.
Since last week, however, his approach has changed. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump praised PM Modi as a “great Prime Minister” and assured that he would “always be friends” with him, even though earlier he had taken several digs and raised tariffs.
“There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments now and then,” Trump said, but once again voiced his concerns about India buying oil from Russia, while also defending the 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports.
India began buying discounted Russian oil after Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow and stopped purchasing its supplies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
