India’s Modi holds third call with Trump since tariff hike
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Mr Modi (left) and Mr Trump have spoken three times since Mr Trump doubled tariffs on imports from India to as much as 50 per cent, hitting exports of textiles, chemicals and food items such as shrimp.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- Modi and Trump discussed bilateral relations and global developments, seeking to address trade tariffs.
- Trade negotiations stalled after India resisted opening its market and involving Trump in India-Pakistan issues.
- US is pressuring India to reduce tariffs, while Russia offers fuel, challenging US influence over oil purchases.
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NEW DELHI - India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone on Dec 11, as New Delhi seeks relief from 50 per cent tariffs imposed by Washington on some of the country’s key exports.
“We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments,” Mr Modi said in a post on X.
A White House official confirmed the call took place, but gave no details about what was discussed.
Mr Modi and Mr Trump have spoken three times since Mr Trump doubled tariffs on imports from India
Mr Modi described his conversation with Mr Trump as “warm and engaging” and said their countries would continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity.
Trade negotiations between the two sides collapsed in late July, after India resisted opening its market for US farm products and declined to acknowledge President Trump’s role in mediating during an India-Pakistan conflict.
Talks have continued since then, amid signs Indian refiners are cutting Russian oil purchases after the US imposed sanctions
US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer is in New Delhi on a two-day visit to discuss trade ties, as New Delhi seeks relief from punitive tariffs imposed by Washington over its Russian oil purchases.
The US Trade Representative’s office had no immediate comment on those meetings.
It was unclear if a trade deal could be hammered out before the end of the year, said one administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Mr Ryan Majerus, a former senior US Commerce Department official now with the King & Spalding law firm, said he expected a deal to be reached with India at some point given its importance in the global economy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was in New Delhi on a state visit last week and offered India uninterrupted fuel supplies and challenged US pressure on India to not buy Russian fuel.
Exports to the US fell nearly 9 per cent year-on-year in October to US$6.31 billion (S$8.1 billion) from US$6.91 billion a year ago, though they were higher than US$5.47 billion in September, Indian government data showed.
Washington is also pushing India to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers on US goods and open its market to American farm products, including soybean and grain sorghum. REUTERS
