Confident that trade talks will unlock limitless potential: PM Modi on renewed India-US partnership

Trade tensions between India and the US eased further on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reciprocated to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of “continuing negotiations” to address the trade barriers, asserting that trade talks will help unlock the “limitless potential” of the partnership between the two nations.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic momentum aimed at overcoming recent tensions over tariffs and energy policy.

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Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi described India and the United States as “close friends and natural partners,” affirming that both sides were committed to concluding negotiations at the earliest.

“I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest,” Modi said. “I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”

The renewed dialogue was announced by US President Trump, who posted on Truth Social that negotiations between the two countries are back on track. He expressed optimism that discussions would lead to a “successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”

“I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations,” Trump wrote. “I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”

The statements from both leaders follow Trump’s recent softening of tone; just four days earlier, he described the US-India relationship as “special” and lauded PM Modi as a “great Prime Minister.”

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump added, “I will always be friends with Modi… India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about.”

PM Modi warmly reciprocated, calling the India-US relationship a “very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”

The leaders’ renewed engagement through social media reflected the effort of alleviating tensions in bilateral relations following the US decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, alongside an additional 25 per cent penalty targeting imports associated with Russian oil.

Now, with high-level reassurances emerging from New Delhi and Washington, it appears that the leaders may arrive at reconciliation and strategic cooperation. The revived trade talks are being seen as an opportunity to reset ties and reinforce economic cooperation.

The process of rapprochement was set in motion when President Trump earlier said that the US had “seemed to have lost India to the deepest and darkest China.”