Washington, June 5: US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that the United States and India will soon conclude a trade agreement, describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “good friend” and highlighting the strong relationship between the two countries.
Speaking at the White House during an event focused on coal and energy policy, Trump suggested that trade negotiations between Washington and New Delhi were moving in a positive direction despite longstanding disagreements over tariffs and market access.
Responding to a question on reports that a trade deal was nearing completion following recent diplomatic engagements, Trump indicated optimism about the outcome of the negotiations.
“We’re going to make a deal,” the US President said, adding that he shares a strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Modi and values the relationship between the two nations.
“I like your Prime Minister a lot. He’s a good friend of mine. We get along great and we’re going to make a deal. We have a very good relationship,” Trump remarked.
The comments come amid growing expectations that negotiators from both countries are working to bridge differences on several trade issues and advance a broader economic partnership.
While expressing confidence about a deal, Trump also reiterated his long-standing criticism of India’s tariff policies, arguing that American companies have historically faced barriers while trying to access the Indian market.
He claimed that India had imposed high duties on certain imported products from the United States and cited Harley-Davidson motorcycles as an example. According to Trump, the American motorcycle manufacturer had previously faced steep import tariffs, making it difficult to compete in the Indian market.
Trump said such policies had compelled companies to consider local manufacturing options rather than relying solely on exports.
The President contrasted those earlier trade arrangements with his administration’s current approach, arguing that the United States is now pursuing more balanced trade relationships with its international partners.
Trade has become one of the central pillars of the expanding India-US strategic partnership. Over the past decade, bilateral trade between the two countries has grown significantly, with cooperation extending across sectors such as technology, defence, energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and critical supply chains.
Both governments have repeatedly emphasized the importance of strengthening economic engagement as part of a broader partnership aimed at enhancing strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Analysts view the ongoing negotiations as an effort to address tariff disputes, improve market access and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries. A successful agreement could further boost trade volumes and investment flows between the world’s largest and oldest democracies.
Trump’s remarks also underscored the personal chemistry that has often characterized his relationship with Prime Minister Modi. During Trump’s first term in office, the two leaders participated in high-profile public events, including the “Howdy Modi” gathering in Houston and the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad.
Those events were widely viewed as symbols of the growing political, economic and strategic ties between India and the United States.
With negotiations reportedly advancing, Trump’s latest comments are likely to be seen as a positive signal for businesses and investors closely watching developments in the bilateral trade relationship.
While details of any potential agreement remain under discussion, both sides have continued to stress the importance of expanding economic cooperation and addressing outstanding trade concerns through dialogue.
The prospect of a trade deal comes at a time when India and the United States are seeking deeper collaboration across multiple sectors, making economic engagement an increasingly important component of their broader strategic partnership.
