PM Modi's "Natural Partners" Reply To Trump's Post On India-US Trade Talks

In a significant step toward easing India-US tensions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said teams from New Delhi and Washington were working to conclude their trade negotiation at the earliest, potentially easing America's tariff onslaught. Replying to Donald Trump's post on trade talks on X, the Prime Minister said he was looking forward to speaking with the US President.

"India and the US are close friends and natural partners. 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," PM Modi said in a post on X.

"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."

India and the US are close friends and natural partners. 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. I am also looking forward… pic.twitter.com/3K9hlJxWcl

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2025

Trump reposted PM Modi's X post on his Truth Social platform, signalling a thaw in ties.

PM Modi's remarks came weeks after reports claimed that PM Modi had, at least four times, avoided President Trump's calls amid New Delhi's increasing frustration over Trump's "unjustified" punitive tariffs, imposed targeting India's Russian oil trade.

Trump On Trade Talks

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced that his administration had resumed trade negotiations with India. "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," he posted on Truth Social.

He also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very good friend" and said he looks forward to speaking with him "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," he added.

Trump's latest statement follows a recent softening of rhetoric from the US side. Earlier on Friday, during a White House press conference, Trump said, "I'll always be friends with Prime Minister Modi" and called him a "great Prime Minister."

"India and the United States have a special relationship. There's nothing to worry about," Trump noted.

US Contradictions

While Trump announced the resumption of trade talks with New Delhi, he asked the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on India to penalise it for its Russian oil trade. Dialling in to talks between United States and European Union officials, Trump raised the possibility of tariffs between 50 per cent and 100 per cent on oil buyers such as China and India, unnamed US officials told AFP.

Last month, Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

India described the US action as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable".