'Stay Tuned': Trump Dials PM Modi, US Ambassador's Social Media Post Raises Expectations

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, before announcing the historic trade deal, bringing the spotlight back on the fragile state of US-India relations over tariffs. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor shared the development in a post on X, and raised expectations of a breakthrough in the long-awaited Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between the two nations. In a post on X, Gor said, “President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNED…” left many wondering what’s on the horizon.

President Trump and PM Modi have been engaging in diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, with their recent conversation focusing on trade and energy cooperation. Earlier, last  year, the US imposed 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports with an additional 25% tariff, citing India's oil purchases from Russia as a reason. In response, India has sought relief from these punitive measures, stressing the need for mutually beneficial trade agreements.

Trump Announced Trade Deal

Following the phone chat with PM Modi, Trump shared the development in a post on Truth Social, calling the conversation with the Indian prime minister an honour and "one of my greatest friends and a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country". Trump announced that the US and India have reached a trade agreement, leading to reduced tariffs on the import of ‘Made in India’ goods in the US.

Trump also announced that India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil and instead purchase more from the US and possibly Venezuela. "This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week," Trump tweeted.

PM Modi also welcomed the development, saying, "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.”

India-US Strategic Partnership

The latest trade agreement is expected to provide a major boost to India's economy, particularly its manufacturing sector. India has committed to "BUY AMERICAN", with plans to purchase over $500 billion worth of US energy, technology, agricultural products, coal, and other goods. The deal is seen as a major win for Trump, who has been pushing for better trade terms with India.

The latest move is seen as a crucial development in India-US relations, which had been strained over the past year due to trade tensions. US Ambassador Sergio Gor praised the newly announced trade agreement, outlining the strong personal rapport between Trump and Modi. "As I have said many times, President Trump genuinely considers Prime Minister Modi a great friend! Thrilled by the news of the trade deal this evening. The relationship between the United States and India has LIMITLESS POTENTIAL!" Gor tweeted.

The India-US trade deal is an example of a growing partnership between the two nations, which share a common resolve to democracy, freedom, and prosperity.