Photo: Jim Watson/AFP
Eurasia
11/11/2025 10:01
Speaking to reporters, Trump struck an optimistic tone, saying that while relations had been strained by tariff disputes, both sides were now moving toward “a fair deal.” “Right now they don’t love me, but they’ll love us again,” he added. “We’re getting a fair deal… we’re pretty close to doing a deal that’s good for everybody.”
The remarks signal a notable shift from earlier in the year, when the United States raised tariffs on many Indian goods to as high as 50 per cent, partly to pressure India to reduce its purchases of Russian oil. The move had deepened tensions between the two countries, already divided over market access and trade barriers.
However, recent weeks have seen signs of de-escalation. Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to cutting back on Russian crude imports, adding that “they’ve stopped doing the Russian oil – it’s been reduced very substantially.” He also hinted that the US was prepared to lower tariffs “at some point” as progress continues.
The apparent thaw comes after Washington imposed sanctions on two major Russian oil producers last month, leading Indian refiners to significantly scale down imports of discounted Russian crude that had helped cushion India’s energy costs since 2022.
With this key point of contention easing, trade teams from both countries have held multiple rounds of talks, and officials in New Delhi have expressed cautious optimism that a deal could soon be reached.
Trump’s comments came during the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor, the new US ambassador to India. The president said Gor, who previously headed his personnel office, had already established a “friendly” working relationship with Modi. “As ambassador, Sergio will work to strengthen our bonds, boost investment in key industries, expand American energy exports, and enhance our security cooperation,” Trump said.
