PM Modi Is A Good Friend: Trump Says
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US President Donald Trump, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a good friend,” expressed optimism that Washington and New Delhi will soon reach a trade agreement — even as his administration prepares to impose new tariffs on India and dozens of other countries over forced labour concerns.
His words underscored a personal rapport that, he suggested, could smooth the path to a political compromise.
The upbeat declaration arrived days after U.S. officials announced plans to levy an additional 12.5 percent tariff on imports from India and 53 other nations accused of failing to prohibit goods produced with forced labour. The move has raised concerns in New Delhi about the potential impact on trade and prompted fresh diplomatic engagement.
When pressed about the specifics of the negotiations, Trump accused India of having long benefited from U.S. trade policy while imposing what he described as “tremendous tariffs” on American goods. “For years, India took advantage of the United States… They charged us tremendous tariffs and paid nothing,” he said, framing his administration’s tougher stance as a correction. “Now it is the exact reverse, and we are making a lot of money with India.”
His remarks reflect a mix of personal goodwill and transactional politics: a friendly relationship with the Indian leader coupled with a readiness to wield tariffs as leverage. That balancing act will be central to any forthcoming agreement, as both sides seek to protect domestic industries while expanding market access.
Earlier this week, a U.S. delegation traveled to India for talks on an interim bilateral agreement. New Delhi’s commerce ministry described the discussions as conducted in a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism, saying both parties reaffirmed their commitment to finalizing a mutually beneficial arrangement that strengthens economic ties.
For observers, the coming weeks will test whether personal chemistry between leaders can overcome the hard policy differences that remain. India must weigh the domestic implications of concessions on tariffs and market access, while the U.S. will monitor compliance with its labour-related standards. If negotiators can reconcile those priorities, the result could be a pragmatic, if limited, agreement; if not, tariffs could become the default tool of pressure on both sides.
Either way, the interplay of friendship and friction — warm words in the Oval Office and looming tariff threats in trade notices — will shape the next chapter of U.S.-India economic relations.