Following the United States decision to reduce tariffs on Indian imports from 25 percent to 18 percent, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued his first official response welcoming the move. The Prime Minister thanked US President Donald Trump and described the decision as a “positive turn” in bilateral economic partnership.
The tariff reduction was announced after a recent telephone conversation between the two leaders. In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi said he was pleased to speak with his “dear friend” President Trump. He stated that the reduction in tariffs on “Made in India” products would provide relief to Indian exporters and industry.
In his post, Prime Minister Modi said that the conversation with President Trump was very positive and that he was pleased to learn that tariffs on Indian products were being reduced to 18 percent. He expressed gratitude to President Trump on behalf of India’s 1.4 billion citizens for what he described as a historic step.
Prime Minister Modi further stated that when two large economies and democracies work together, the benefits extend beyond the two countries. He said cooperation based on mutual trust would create new opportunities in areas including trade, technology, defence, and supply chains. He also praised President Trump’s leadership and said his role in maintaining global peace and stability had been significant. Prime Minister Modi added that India would continue to support the Trump administration’s efforts to promote peace and diplomacy and would work together to take the partnership to new heights.
The initial information about the leaders’ conversation was shared by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who did not disclose details of the discussion. Subsequently, President Trump provided details on his social media platform Truth Social, confirming that the United States had decided to reduce tariffs on Indian products from 25 percent to 18 percent.
President Trump also stated that the two countries had agreed on changes to the reciprocal tariff framework and that the United States would work in the future to further reduce import duties and non-tariff barriers with India.
In his statement, President Trump praised Prime Minister Modi and said that US–India relations would become ber. He described both leaders as “deal makers” and “doers” and said the agreement aligned with the trade interests of both countries and would promote long-term economic cooperation.
The development comes as India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to the United States. The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, advancing trade talks, and enhancing strategic cooperation.
