Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received warm congratulations from American President Donald Trump for his birthday on Tuesday and praise for his efforts to end the Russian war in Ukraine, while tense commercial talks were continuing between the two countries.
“Thank you for your support at the end of the war between Russia and Ukraine!” Trump said in an article on Truth Social, describing his call with Modi as “wonderful” and praising the leader of India for having done a “great job”.
Modi, publishing on X, thanked Trump for his greetings, said that he was determined to bring bilateral ties to “new heights” and supports Trump’s efforts to a “peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian conflict”.
The links between New Delhi and Washington have been under tension since Trump raised prices on most Indian exports to 50% last month in retaliation for continuous purchases of Russian oil from New Delhi.
White House officials accused Indian oil refiners of taking advantage and argued that New Delhi’s decision to buy Russian crude crude crude Moscow war in Ukraine.
But during last week, the leaders of the two countries proposed more conciliatory public statements and said they were determined to continue trade negotiations.
And Tuesday, Indian and American trade officials had discussions in the capital, New Delhi.
The American delegation included Brendan Lynch, assistant trade representative for South Asia and Central Asia.
“Recognizing the lasting importance of bilateral trade between India and the United States, discussions have been positive and advanced covering various aspects of the trade agreement,” a statement from the Indian Ministry of Commerce.
“It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement,” he added.
Although it is one of the first countries to start commercial negotiations with Washington, India has so far failed to conclude an agreement that would facilitate its price charge.
Exporters of the most populated country in the world have already warned of canceled orders and potentially important job losses.
Trump’s decision to mix war and peace issues with trade by increasing tasks on most Indian goods by 25% to 50% have also complicated the questions.
Experts believe that despite the two parties that advance, a trade agreement will always require difficult negotiations.
“All progress depends on Washington by retreating the service of 25% linked to petroleum. Without this, no breakthrough is politically or economically viable,” said Ajay Srivastava of the Global Trade Research Initiative, a reflection group based in New Delhi on Tuesday.
