New Delhi, Dec12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a fresh round of talks with US President Donald Trump on Thursday, their third phone conversation since Washington doubled tariffs on key Indian exports to as high as 50% earlier this year. New Delhi is seeking relief from the duties that have hit shipments of textiles, chemicals and food products.
Modi said the two leaders “reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments,” describing the call as “warm and engaging.” He added that India and the United States would continue to work together for “global peace, stability and prosperity.”
The call comes amid strained trade ties, with earlier negotiations collapsing after India resisted opening its agricultural markets to American farm goods. Washington continues to push New Delhi to lower tariffs and non-tariff barriers and allow greater access for US soybean and grain sorghum.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor confirmed the latest interaction, calling it “a GREAT call between two friends.” He said Modi also reiterated his support for President Trump’s efforts to bring peace in Ukraine, even as Washington maintains that India’s crude imports are helping fund Russia’s war.
India, under growing Western pressure over its energy purchases, has begun cutting Russian oil imports after US sanctions on major suppliers Rosneft and Lukoil. Moscow, however, recently offered New Delhi “uninterrupted fuel supplies”, challenging US attempts to curb India’s dependence on Russian crude.
Despite tariff tensions, trade talks have been ongoing in New Delhi this week. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India’s latest proposal was “the best we’ve ever received as a country.” In response, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said Washington should move quickly if it is satisfied: “If they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted lines.”
India’s exports to the United States fell 9% year-on-year in October to US$6.31 billion, though shipments were slightly higher than the previous month.
A senior Indian official separately said that visa-related hurdles for business professionals have now been resolved, as both sides attempt to stabilize a relationship under pressure from geopolitical and trade disputes.
