US President Donald Trump holds Prime Minister Narendra Modi in high regard and maintains frequent communication with him as trade talks between the US and India continue to advance, according to recent statements from the White House. The ongoing discussions reflect a mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral ties despite recent challenges.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that Trump speaks pretty frequently with Modi, underscoring a warm rapport between the leaders. She emphasized the seriousness of the trade negotiations, noting that the President and his trade team are deeply engaged in efforts to reach a beneficial agreement with India. These talks come after a period of tension when the US imposed steep tariffs on Indian imports in response to India’s oil purchases from Russia, creating a setback in the relationship.

The dialogue between the two countries extended symbolically during Diwali celebrations at the White House, where Trump met with senior Indian-American officials and spoke directly with Modi, signaling goodwill and the importance he places on the partnership. The US also appointed Sergio Gor as the new ambassador to India, aiming to bolster diplomatic ties on the ground.

This commitment to dialogue signals a thaw and a forward-looking approach to resolving trade disputes and expanding cooperation. Trump recently expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal on his Asia tour and praised India’s efforts to reduce Russian oil imports, which had been a key point of contention. The US-India relationship is currently marked by respectful high-level exchanges and serious negotiations aimed at fostering economic collaboration and strategic partnership. The ongoing talks represent an opportunity to resolve tariff disputes and explore new avenues for trade growth, benefiting both nations.

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