US President Trump on Tuesday (September 16) said on a social platform that he had a "very good" conversation with Indian Prime Minister Modi, and specially thanked Modi for the "help provided in ending the Ukraine war." India said on Tuesday that the India-US tariff negotiations have made "positive" progress.
According to AFP, Trump posted on his "Truth Social" platform that the conversation with Modi was "very beautiful," and thanked India for its role in seeking peace in Ukraine. September 16 was also Modi's 75th birthday, and Modi expressed gratitude on social media X for "friend" Trump's "warm birthday wishes," and said he would take India-US cooperation to a "new height."
Tariff Issues: New Delhi Says India-US Talks Are "Positive"
India said on Tuesday that the talks between India and the US on the sensitive tariff issue were "positive," following which the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exported products due to India's purchase of Russian oil.
The Indian Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Tuesday: "Given the enduring importance of India-US bilateral trade, the talks were positive and focused on the long-term future, covering all aspects of trade agreements." The statement added: "India and the US decided to intensify efforts to reach a mutually beneficial trade agreement as soon as possible."
This meeting was held in New Delhi, with US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch, who is responsible for Central Asia and South Asia, attending. Trump announced a week ago that the two countries would continue to advance the tariff negotiations.
Since Trump announced on August 27 that he would impose an additional 50% tariff on Indian export goods, bilateral relations have become tense. Trump has repeatedly accused India of being "the country that levies the most tariffs globally." Indian exporters have warned that high tariffs have already led to cancellation of some export orders and could potentially cause job losses.
Despite both sides showing goodwill, real breakthroughs still face obstacles. Sriwastava, head of the New Delhi think tank "Global Trade Research Initiative," pointed out: "All progress depends on whether Washington can cancel the 25% additional tax related to oil. Otherwise, it will be difficult to achieve substantive breakthroughs, both politically and economically."
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