PM Modi-President Trump cut through noise to push trade deal

By Admin

10 Sep, 2025

India and the United States are once again moving closer towards a landmark trade deal, with the top leadership of both nations personally intervening to push negotiations forward. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have exchanged public messages of confidence, cutting through the noise of recent diplomatic frictions and sending a strong signal that bilateral trade relations remain a top priority.

Leaders Take Charge

Responding within hours to President Trump’s post on Truth Social, Prime Minister Modi took to X on Wednesday to reaffirm India’s commitment. He wrote, “India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”

This swift response highlights how both leaders are directly involved in ensuring that the much-anticipated trade deal stays on track, despite occasional hurdles raised at bureaucratic levels.

Indian Delegation Heads to Washington

According to authoritative sources, an Indian delegation led by Special Secretary and Chief Trade Negotiator Rajesh Agarwal will be traveling to Washington next week to resume discussions with their US counterparts. While the exact dates are still being finalized, high-level exchanges are already underway via phone calls between New Delhi and Washington.

Clearly, the personal involvement of Modi and Trump has re-energized the negotiation process, directing officials from both sides to accelerate the talks.

Trump’s Assurances

On September 6, following their highest-level engagement on social media, President Trump emphasized his commitment to India-US trade relations. He stated: “I am pleased to announce that India, and the US, are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, PM Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries.”

Trump’s words make it clear that despite some critical voices in Washington, he is determined to steer the trade dialogue toward a mutually beneficial outcome.

Defense Ties Add Momentum

The trade talks coincide with growing defense cooperation between the two countries. A US delegation is set to visit India on September 17-18 to address New Delhi’s concerns regarding the pricing of six P8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft worth nearly $3 billion. Additionally, both nations are expected to sign a deal this month for 113 GE-404 aircraft engines, which will power the Tejas Mark I A fighter jets.

These defense agreements further underscore the expanding strategic and economic convergence between the two democracies.

Looking Ahead

While occasional tensions and differing perspectives persist, the overall trajectory of India-US relations appears positive. By taking the lead themselves, PM Modi and President Trump have injected fresh momentum into trade negotiations and sent a message that political will at the highest level can overcome bureaucratic hurdles.

As the Indian delegation prepares to leave for Washington, the world will be watching to see how quickly both sides can finalize a deal that promises a win-win outcome and strengthens one of the most consequential partnerships of the 21st century.