“Recognition that the relationship is important to both, renewed effort is now being made”: Ex-Indian envoy on US-India trade
ANI | 5–7 minutes
Updated: Sep 10, 2025 21:48 IST
New Delhi [India], September 10 (ANI): Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Arun Singh, highlighted that trade tensions between the US and India appear to be thawing, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference to the United States as India’s “natural partner” in a reply to a post by US President Donald Trump.
Speaking with ANI, Singh emphasised that despite challenges, both countries recognise the importance of their relationship.
“On Friday, he (Trump) commented publicly and on social media that the US-India relationship is a special relationship. There are moments of difficulty on occasion, but it will all work out. The Prime Minister responded very positively. Then this morning, he came out with another comment saying he is happy to announce that trade negotiations have resumed and is confident an outcome will follow soon. The Prime Minister also responded. So I would say that from both sides, there is a recognition that the relationship is important to both, and a renewed effort is now being made to stabilise it,” Singh told ANI.
President Trump publicly acknowledged the US-India partnership as “special,” and Prime Minister Modi responded positively. Trade negotiations have resumed, with Trump expressing confidence in reaching a favourable outcome soon.
On Tuesday (US local time), Trump announced that the US and India will resume negotiations to address “trade barriers” between the two countries.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!”
Responding to Trump, PM Modi posted on X:
“India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”
The renewed dialogue comes amid global uncertainties, as Washington recently imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25 per cent penalty due to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The US argues such purchases support Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Singh pointed out the irony that under the Biden administration, the US had actually encouraged India to purchase more oil from Russia to stabilise global energy prices. The Trump administration, however, has imposed tariffs on India over the same purchases, leaving New Delhi questioning the justification.
Singh attributed this policy reversal to domestic US politics. “Indian officials have said that the tariff imposed because of purchases from Russia is not justified at all. Under the Biden administration, the US encouraged India to buy more from Russia to stabilise global energy prices. Now, how do you build a relationship if the policy of your partner suddenly changes? That was the dilemma.
I think perhaps on the US side also, there was recognition that the measures taken against India were excessive. This is essentially a measure taken by President Trump, amplified by his associates. But there are also voices in the US criticising this approach — including the House Foreign Affairs Democrats and other senior leaders. President Trump may have felt they had gone too far in applying pressure and needed to recalibrate,” Singh said.
Earlier on Friday (local time), President Trump, when asked by ANI at the White House if he was ready to reset relations with India, replied:
“I always will. I’ll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
Meanwhile, Indian stock markets continued their upward momentum, supported by positive global cues and the ongoing exchange of optimistic posts between the two leaders. (ANI)
733 words, 4 minutes read time.
About The Author
