Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US ambassador to India Sergio Gor informed on Monday. The two leader, finalized the much-awaited India-US trade deal with “immediate” effect, Trump informed.In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!”“Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to “BUY AMERICAN,” at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products. Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he added.This comes amid delays in India-US trade deal after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India for its continued purchase of Russian crude.
Moreover, Trump on Sunday claimed that multiple countries, including India, were expected to start importing oil from Venezuela, which holds the world’s largest crude reserves. He said that the move followed legal reforms in Venezuela that have opened the oil sector to private investment after the US capture of President Nicolas Maduro on January 3.India and the United States have been holding trade talks since March 2025. Since August last year, the US has imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian exports—among the highest applied to any country—comprising 25% in reciprocal duties and an additional 25% levy.
