Modi and Trump talk trade as India, US seek to repair ties
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Mr Modi (left) thanked Mr Trump (right) for the call, saying on X that he hoped “our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope.”
PHOTO: REUTERS
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NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Oct 22 he had held a conversation with Mr Donald Trump, with the US president saying the pair had discussed trade as the countries negotiate a deal that could mend strained ties.
Relations plummeted in August when Mr Trump raised tariffs on Indian exports
During a ceremony to mark Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, on Oct 21, Mr Trump told reporters he had spoken by phone with Mr Modi.
“We talked about trade – we talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade,” Mr Trump said while lighting candles for the celebration at the White House. “He’s very interested in that.”
Mr Modi thanked Mr Trump for the call, saying on X that he hoped “our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope.”
India has yet to secure a formal trade deal with the United States, despite being among the first nations to initiate negotiations with Washington after Mr Trump began his second term.
Mr Trump also repeated his claim – first made on Oct 15 – that India would cut Russian oil purchases. New Delhi has neither confirmed nor denied any policy shift.
India, one of the world’s largest crude oil importers, relies on foreign suppliers for more than 85 per cent of its oil needs.
Traditionally reliant on Middle Eastern producers, New Delhi started buying heavily discounted Russian crude in 2022, taking advantage of Western sanctions that limited Moscow’s export options.
Several other sources of friction have strained Washington’s relationship with India this year.
They include Mr Trump’s assertions that he achieved a ceasefire between India and Pakistan to end an intense four-day conflict over the contested region of Kashmir in May.
Mr Modi has said there was no such mediation by a world leader.
And in September, the Trump administration hiked fees for H-1B skilled-worker visas
Mr Trump and Mr Modi may yet meet in October at the Asean summit of South-east Asian leaders in Malaysia, which Mr Trump is set to attend.
New Delhi has not confirmed whether Mr Modi will participate, as India is not a member of the 10-nation bloc.
But some Indian newspapers have reported that he may attend. AFP
