Modi Welcomes US-India Trade Deal, Thanks Trump for Tariff Cut on Indian Goods

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed delight over the newly announced US-India trade agreement following his telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, particularly highlighting the reduction in tariffs on Made in India products.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi stated:

“Happy to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted by the great news that Made in India products will now face only 18% tariff. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, a very big thank you to President Trump for this wonderful announcement.

When two of the world’s largest economies and the biggest democracies work together, it benefits our people and opens vast avenues of mutual cooperation.

President Trump’s leadership is extremely important 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 even greater heights.”

The response came hours after President Trump detailed the deal on Truth Social, announcing an immediate drop in the US reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, India’s commitment to move toward zero tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American products, a shift away from Russian oil purchases in favor of increased imports from the US (and potentially Venezuela), and India’s pledge to purchase over $500 billion worth of US energy, technology, agricultural goods, coal, and other items.

While Modi’s statement warmly acknowledged the tariff relief and emphasized the strength of bilateral friendship, strategic partnership, and shared democratic values, he did not directly address the Russian oil import shift or the specific $500 billion purchase figure in his public message.

The exchange marks a positive turn in relations after months of trade friction, including US tariffs imposed in 2025 partly due to India’s continued imports of discounted Russian crude amid Western sanctions on Moscow.

Further official details, including a formal joint statement or implementation timeline, are expected from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in the coming days.