Trump Praises 'Great Friend' Modi As India-US Aim To Ease Tariffs: 'It's Going To Work Out Very Well'

US President Donald Trump has once again highlighted his views on India's steep tariffs whilst commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "great friend" and a "very smart man".

Addressing journalists at the White House, Trump expressed optimism that the continuing trade talks between the two countries would lead to favourable outcomes, even as his administration presses for reciprocal tariffs on Indian products.

Photo Credit: @narendramodi on X via PTI Photo

"Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we've always been very good friends. India is one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world... They're very smart," Trump remarked.

"He is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it's going to work out very well between India and our country. And I want to say, you have a great prime minister."

These comments arise amidst growing trade friction, with the US gearing up to introduce reciprocal tariffs on nations, including India, due to what Trump has labelled as unjust trade practices.

Trump has frequently voiced criticism of India's trade approach, once dubbing the nation the "tariff king" and calling its import duties "very unfair and strong".

He also stated, "I have a very good relationship with India, but the only problem I have with India is they're one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world. I believe they're probably going to lower those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us."

He further alleged that India engages in restrictive trade practices, saying, "You can't sell anything into India, it is almost restrictive. They have agreed, by the way, they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done."

India's efforts to gain Trump's approval

Since February, India has made considerable efforts to bolster trade relations with the US, seeking to alleviate tensions over tariffs. New Delhi has committed to boosting energy imports from the US to USD 25 billion, an increase from USD 15 billion the previous year.

On the defence front, President Donald Trump revealed that India might soon purchase F-35 stealth fighters, with talks positioning Washington as a leading provider of oil, gas, and military hardware.

Addressing Trump's critique of "unfair" tariffs, India has lowered duties on significant imports, reducing bourbon whisky tariffs from 150 per cent to 100 per cent. The government's February budget also cut basic customs duties on luxury vehicles, solar cells, and machinery, bringing peak import tariffs down to 70 per cent and average tariffs to under 11 per cent.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk's Starlink is nearing final regulatory approval in India after collaborating with Reliance and Airtel, a development likely to speed up its growth in emerging markets.