'We will have a great deal with India': Trump hails PM Modi as 'fantastic leader' at Davos

Speaking to Indian media on Wednesday, Trump said he was optimistic about bilateral trade prospects, declaring, “We will have a great deal with India.”

He also lauded Modi’s leadership, describing Modi as a “fantastic leader” and saying he holds “great respect” for the Indian prime minister.

The comments marked another instance of Trump publicly complimenting Modi.

In October 2025, the US president had described him as the “nicest looking guy,” underscoring the personal rapport he often highlights between the two leaders.

Praise comes after tariff escalation

Trump’s upbeat remarks come months after trade ties between the two countries deteriorated sharply.

Negotiations collapsed last year, prompting Washington to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent in August.

The move placed India among the most heavily taxed US trading partners.

The tariff hike included an additional 25 percent penalty aimed at pressuring New Delhi over its continued purchase of Russian oil.

Trump has repeatedly warned India to curb imports from Moscow, linking energy purchases to trade penalties.

Talks restart amid lingering disputes

Despite setbacks, both sides have repeatedly stated that negotiations remain active.

Indian officials said last week that the two countries have been close to finalising an agreement on several occasions since committing to talks in February last year.

US diplomat Robert Gor, speaking in New Delhi after assuming office, said the next round of trade discussions would take place the following day.

He described US-India ties as resilient, noting, “Real friends can disagree but always resolve their differences.”

Gor added that engagement continues across security, counterterrorism, energy, technology, education and health sectors.

High-level engagement continues

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held a phone call last week with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The conversation focused on expanding cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy and defence, reflecting sustained high-level engagement between the two countries.

Ambitious trade target remains

India and the United States have set an ambitious goal of more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

To help narrow the trade deficit, New Delhi has pledged to increase purchases of US energy and defence equipment.

However, negotiations held last year failed to produce a comprehensive trade agreement, leaving key issues unresolved.

Trump’s comments at Davos now signal a possible thaw, even as major differences continue to shape the trajectory of US-India trade ties.