India‑US trade deal expected as Trump praises Prime Minister Modi

U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a good friend,” and said a trade deal between the two countries is imminent. The White House remarks came as both sides confirmed that negotiations are proceeding with a focus on mutual benefit.

The framework for a provisional trade agreement was finalized on Feb. 7, with the United States agreeing to cut tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 18% and to remove an existing 25% tariff that India had imposed in response to U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. The talks follow a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down earlier reciprocal tariffs and a broader U.S. move to impose additional duties on imports from 60 countries, including India.

Both governments expressed commitment to completing the first phase of the agreement soon, signaling a strengthening of economic ties between New Delhi and Washington.