NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump lavishly praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “powerful and respected” leader as he announced the long-awaited India–US trade deal on Monday. Trump also applauded himself and PM Modi as leaders who “get things done,” crediting the agreement to their personal rapport, saying the deal was finalised out of “friendship” and “respect” for the prime minister and at “his request”.”He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social as he went on to provide details of the deal.
“Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO,” he added.PM Modi also hailed his friendship with Trump saying, “Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement.””Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. 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. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights,” he said in a post on X. The deal will see the US cut its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, while India eliminates all tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American products. As part of the agreement, India will stop buying Russian oil and redirect energy imports to the US and potentially Venezuela. New Delhi has also committed to purchasing more than $500 billion worth of US energy, technology, agricultural, coal and other goods, alongside a major expansion of “Buy American” procurement, deepening bilateral trade ties.
