Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received warm congratulations from US President Donald Trump on his birthday on Tuesday and praise for his efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine when tense trade talks continued between the two countries.
“Thank you for your support to end the war between Russia and Ukraine!” Trump said in a post about truth social and described his call with modi as “wonderful” and praised India’s leader to do a “huge job.”
Modi, who posted on X, thanked Trump for his greetings, said he was determined to take bilateral ties to “new heights” and supports Trump’s efforts on a “peaceful solution of the Ukraine conflict.”
The ties between New Delhi and Washington have been under excitement since Trump raised tariffs on most Indian exports to 50% last month in retaliation for New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
White House officials have accused Indian oil refineries of profits and argued that New Delhi’s decision to buy Russian crude oil has helped fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
But over the past week, the leaders of both countries have offered more settlement public statements and said they remain obliged to continued trade negotiations.
And on Tuesday, Indian and American trade officials held discussions in the capital, New Delhi.
The US delegation included Brendan Lynch, assistant trade representative of South and Central Asia.
“Recognition of the sustained significance of bilateral trade between India and the United States, the discussions were positive and forward that covers various aspects of the trade agreement,” states the Ministry of Commerce’s statement.
“It was decided to intensify the efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually advantageous trade agreement,” it added.
Despite being one of the first few countries to start trade negotiations with Washington, India has so far failed to secure an agreement that would facilitate its customs burden.
Exportors in the world’s most populous country have already warned of canceled orders and potentially significant job losses.
Trump’s decision to mix questions about war and peace with trade by stepping up with most Indian goods from 25% to 50% also have complicated cases.
Experts believe that despite both sides pushing forward, a trade agreement will still require tough negotiations.
“Any progress is related to Washington, which rolls back the oil-bound 25% duty. Without it, there is no breakthrough politically or economically viable,” Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative, a New Delhi-Based Think Tank, said in a note on Tuesday.
