New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about strengthening ties with India, saying that discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi are “going great” and hinting that a bilateral trade agreement could be finalized soon.

He also suggested that he may visit New Delhi next year, further fuelling speculation of a major diplomatic engagement.

Tariff Cuts on the Horizon

Trump indicated that he plans to “lower tariffs” on India “at some point,” signalling possible progress toward a breakthrough in long-pending trade negotiations.

“We’re pretty close to doing a deal that’s good for everybody,” he told reporters during the swearing-in of Sergio Gor as the new US Ambassador to India.

India Emphasizes Fair, Balanced Deal

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated that India would not compromise on the interests of farmers, workers, and the dairy sector, noting that any agreement must be “fair, equitable, and balanced.” Goyal said, “The trade deal can happen tomorrow, next month, or next year — the government is ready for any scenario.”

Experts See Visit as Diplomatic Rebound

Analysts believe Trump’s potential visit would mark a positive shift in the relationship. Professor Harsh Pant of King’s College London noted that defence, space, and economic cooperation between the two nations are “moving forward in many ways.”

Quad Dynamics and Strategic Balancing

While Trump’s unpredictability has caused uncertainty around the Indo-Pacific Quad, experts suggest a renewed trade pact and defence framework could reaffirm the US-India strategic partnership amid growing regional challenges from China.