Donald Trump says talks with PM Modi going well, plans visit as trade negotiations continue

US President Donald Trump said that his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi were going well and confirmed that he plans to visit India soon, as both countries continue discussions on trade. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump called Modi a “great friend” and said the two leaders have been working closely, especially on matters like energy imports. He mentioned that India had mostly stopped buying oil from Russia, following his administration’s efforts to discourage such purchases.

“He (PM Modi) largely stopped buying from Russia. And he is a friend of mine, and we speak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great man. He is a friend of mine, and we speak and he wants me to go there. We will figure that out, I will go… Prime Minister Modi is a great man and I will be going,” Trump said.

When asked if the visit might happen next year, Trump replied, “It could be, yes.”

Trump’s latest comments come as the US and India continue to negotiate on trade issues. Recently, Washington placed a 50 per cent tariff, along with an extra 25 per cent duty, on certain Indian goods, saying it was concerned about India’s continued purchase of oil from Russia.