On Thursday, United States President Donald Trump commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and indicated that he might visit India next year as both nations continue their trade discussions. While addressing reporters at the White House following the announcement of a reduction in the prices of weight loss medications, Trump mentioned that his discussions with PM Modi were advancing positively. He also emphasized his personal connection with the prime minister. “He (PM Modi) has significantly reduced his purchases from Russia. He is a friend of mine, and we communicate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is an exceptional individual. He is a friend of mine, and we converse, and he wishes for me to visit. We will work that out; I will go… Prime Minister Modi is an exceptional individual, and I will be visiting,” Trump stated. — ANI (@ANI)
When inquired about his potential visit to India next year, Trump replied, “It could be, yes.” This remark comes as trade discussions persist between New Delhi and Washington following the United States’ implementation of a 50 percent tariff, which includes an additional 25 percent duty on India’s acquisition of Russian oil.
Earlier on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “The President is optimistic and holds a strong belief in the India-US relationship. A few weeks prior, he communicated directly with the Prime Minister while celebrating Diwali in the Oval Office alongside numerous high-ranking Indian-American officials present at the White House.” Her remarks followed Trump’s recent assertion that India has decreased its import of Russian oil. During his tour of Asia, he remarked that New Delhi was “very good” regarding this matter and that Prime Minister Modi assured him that India would either reduce or cease crude imports from Moscow. Earlier this month, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded to Trump’s statements, emphasizing that the nation’s energy sourcing decisions are driven by national interests and consumer welfare. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal remarked, “India is a major importer of oil and gas. It has consistently been our priority to protect the interests of the Indian consumer in a fluctuating energy landscape. Our import policies are entirely guided by this aim.”
