New Delhi, Feb 2: US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
After the conversation, PM Modi posted on microblogging site X: “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the worldís largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trumpís leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights. @POTUS @realDonaldTrump.”
Earlier, President Trump posted on his Truth Social account: “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week! Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to ìBUY AMERICAN,î at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products. Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The news was broken earlier by the newly appointed US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.
ìPresident Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNEDÖ,î Gor said in a brief message on X, without sharing further details of the discussion.
In another X post, Ambassador Gor said, “As I have said many times, President Trump genuinely considers Prime Minister Modi a great friend! Thrilled by the news of the trade deal this evening. The relationship between the United States and India has LIMITLESS POTENTIAL!”
The conversation between the US President and PM Modi assumes significance against the backdrop of strained India-US economic ties.
A long-pending bilateral trade deal remains stalled, with relations facing fresh pressure after the United States imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhiís continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The timing is also notable as Washington sharpens its sanctions framework against Iran, a move with direct implications for Indiaís energy security.
Recent reports have suggested that India may explore crude oil purchases from Venezuela.
Against this evolving geopolitical and trade landscape, the Trump-Modi conversation is being closely watched for signals on the future direction of India-US ties.
