Trump: “We’re going to make a deal” as US, India near trade pact
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US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States and India are moving toward a trade agreement, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a good friend” and expressing confidence the two countries will reach a deal.
Speaking at the White House at an event on coal and energy policy, Trump said trade talks with India were making progress despite his long-standing criticism of India’s tariff policies. Asked whether a pact was close after Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to New Delhi, Trump replied, “Well, we have it,” and added, “We’ll get to a deal … I like your prime minister a lot. He’s a good friend of mine, get along great and we’re going to make a deal. We have a very good relationship.”
Trump reiterated his view that India historically imposed high duties on US goods. Citing Harley-Davidson as an example, he said steep import taxes at one time blocked American motorcycles from the Indian market, prompting the company to build plants locally. “They charged us tremendous tariffs, and they paid nothing,” he said, adding that his administration’s approach has reversed that dynamic and that the US is now earning more from trade with India.
The remarks come as officials in Washington and New Delhi signal that negotiators are narrowing differences on a bilateral trade package intended to expand market access and resolve tariff disputes. Trade has become a central pillar of the broader India-US partnership, alongside cooperation on defence, technology, energy and critical supply chains. Trump’s comments also underlined the personal rapport he has often highlighted with Modi, recalling high-profile events from his earlier term such as the “Howdy Modi” and “Namaste Trump” gatherings.
(Inputs from IANS)