US President Donald Trump has renewed efforts to strengthen trade relations with India, signaling a potential thaw after months of tension. The White House confirmed that Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak frequently, and trade teams from both countries are holding active discussions.
“The president and his trade team continue to be in very serious discussions with India,” said White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt. “He has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently.”
During his recent visit to South Korea, Trump said he wanted to finalize a trade deal with India soon. His comments mark a shift from earlier friction when he doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil as a concern.
The move strained relations between Washington and New Delhi, reaching their lowest point in decades. However, ongoing diplomatic talks suggest both sides are working toward rebuilding economic cooperation.
Meanwhile, Indian refiners have reduced imports of Russian oil after the US imposed sanctions on Moscow’s leading crude exporters, Rosneft and Lukoil. The development could open space for new trade negotiations between the US and India.
