News Desk: US President Donald Trump has struck an optimistic note on India–US trade ties, saying a “great deal” with India is within reach and showering praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his remarks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Speaking to Indian media and Moneycontrol, Trump said he holds Modi in high regard and described him as a personal friend. “We will have a great deal with India,” he said, calling the Prime Minister a “fantastic man” who commands his “great respect.”
The comments mark yet another public show of warmth from Trump towards Modi. In October 2025, he had famously referred to the Indian leader as the “nicest looking guy,” highlighting the personal rapport he often underscores between the two.
Bade badle badle andaz lag rahe Sarkar ke 😂😂😂
“I’ve great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man & a friend of mine. We will have a good Trade Deal”- Trump on PM .@narendramodi Ji.
Why not! Bharat is always open to good Trade Deal on OUR TERMS. No GM food! pic.twitter.com/Zd5nGqoRTo
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) January 21, 2026
Praise after tariff shock
Trump’s upbeat tone comes months after trade relations between the two countries hit a rough patch. Talks collapsed last year, leading Washington to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent in August—placing India among the most heavily taxed US trading partners.
The hike included an additional 25 percent penalty aimed at pressuring New Delhi over its continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump has repeatedly urged India to curb imports from Moscow, linking energy ties with trade penalties.
Talks back on track
Despite the turbulence, both sides insist negotiations are alive. Indian officials said last week that the two countries have come close to sealing an agreement multiple times since formal talks began in February last year.
US diplomat Robert Gor, who recently took charge in New Delhi, said the next round of discussions was scheduled for the following day. Calling the partnership resilient, he noted, “Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences.” Gor added that cooperation continues across security, counterterrorism, energy, technology, education and health.
High-level engagement
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also held a phone conversation last week with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on trade expansion, critical minerals, nuclear energy and defence—signalling sustained momentum at the highest levels.
$500 billion goal
India and the US are targeting more than double their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. To narrow the trade gap, New Delhi has committed to stepping up purchases of US energy and defence equipment.
Although last year’s negotiations failed to deliver a comprehensive pact, Trump’s Davos remarks now point to a possible reset—raising hopes of a breakthrough even as major differences continue to shape the future of India–US trade.
