US President Trump likely to visit India next year, says trade talks with PM Modi going well
Trump’s remarks suggest that the US and India are increasing discussions to fix trade and energy issues.
PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were going “very well” and confirmed that he plans to visit India soon, as both countries continue their trade negotiations.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump praised Modi as a "great friend" and hinted at increasing alignment between Washington and New Delhi on energy imports. He said India had largely stopped buying oil from Russia, in line with his administration’s crackdown on nations purchasing Russian energy.
"He (PM Modi) largely stopped buying from Russia. And he is a friend of mine, and we speak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great man. He is a friend of mine, and we speak and he wants me to go there. We will figure that out, I will go... Prime Minister Modi is a great man and I will be going," Trump said.
The comments came as Washington imposed new tariffs — a 50% duty plus an extra 25% — on Indian imports, citing concerns over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Trump’s remarks suggest that the US and India are increasing discussions to fix trade and energy issues. Earlier this year, during his Asia tour, Trump had said that India was being “very good” about reducing Russian oil imports and that Modi had personally assured him of cutting or stopping crude purchases from Moscow.
White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt earlier reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to improving bilateral ties, calling India a "critical partner" for the US.
"The President is positive and feels very strongly about the India-US relationship. A few weeks ago, he spoke to the Prime Minister directly when he celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office with many high-ranking Indian-American officials here at the White House," Leavitt said.
Currently, India buys about 34% of its crude oil from Russia, while around 10% comes from US suppliers. Trump has repeatedly urged India to reduce its dependence on Russian energy and buy from other sources.