WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald Trump on February 2 said that the long pending and awaited India- US trade deal had been reached, outlining key elements after a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a detailed post on Truth Social, Trump said the agreement would immediately reduce the US reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, calling it a major shift in bilateral trade ties linked to energy cooperation and broader geopolitical goals.
The US President said that the two leaders discussed “many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine.” He claimed that Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil and to increase purchases from the United States and, potentially, from Venezuela.
“This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!” Trump wrote.
According to Trump, the trade deal would take effect immediately. He said India would “move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO.”
Trump also said Modi committed to “BUY AMERICAN” at a much higher level. He added that India would purchase “over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of US Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products.”
“Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward,” the US President wrote. “Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE.”
The post marked a detailed public account from Trump following his call with PM Modi earlier in the day.
The phone call came a day before External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is due to begin a visit to the US.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that Jaishankar would travel to Washington to participate in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“The Ministerial will focus on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and strategic cooperation in critical minerals,” the ministry said in a media release.
Energy cooperation has become a central element of the relationship since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, with Washington urging partners to diversify away from Russian supplies.
India has said its energy decisions are guided by national interest and market conditions, while also calling for an end to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
Modi posted on X that it was “wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that ‘Made in India’ products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.”
“When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace,” he further stated. (IANS)
with @ IW
