Trump says trade talks with India continuing, will speak with PM Modi in coming weeks

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he was looking forward to speaking with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about trade in the coming weeks.

Hours later, Modi expressed confidence that the trade negotiations would “pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential” of the partnership between the two countries.

The two leaders made the statements in the backdrop of strained ties between New Delhi and Washington, mainly because of Trump having imposed so-called reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods and punitive levies for purchasing Russian oil amid the Ukraine war.

Negotiators from both countries had completed a fifth round of trade talks in Washington in July. The next round, scheduled for August 25, was abruptly cancelled and no fresh dates were announced.

On Tuesday, Trump said on social media that India and the US were continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between the two countries.

“I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries!” Trump added.

In response, Modi on Wednesday described India and the US as close friends and natural partners. Teams from both sides were working to conclude the trade discussions at the earliest, he said.

Modi said that he was looking forward to speaking with Trump, adding that they will “work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for...

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