Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump for the third time since the U.S. doubled tariffs on some Indian exports to as high as 50 percent. Modi described the call as “warm and engaging” and said both countries would continue working for global peace, stability, and prosperity. The tariffs target key Indian exports such as textiles, chemicals, and shrimp, imposed due to India’s Russian oil purchases.
Modi said the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. The call follows the collapse of formal trade negotiations in July after India resisted opening its market to U.S. farm products. Discussions have continued informally, amid signs Indian refiners are reducing Russian oil imports under U.S. pressure.
Read more: Trump, Modi hold frequent talks amid renewed US-India trade
U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer visited New Delhi this week for two days of talks as India seeks relief from punitive tariffs. A U.S. Trade Representative spokesperson had no immediate comment on these discussions. One official said it was unclear if a trade deal would be finalized before the end of the year.
Experts expect a deal may eventually be reached, given India’s importance in the global economy. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited New Delhi, offering uninterrupted fuel supplies and challenging U.S. pressure on India over Russian oil purchases. Modi and Trump’s talks also included broader trade issues, including lowering tariffs and non-tariff barriers for U.S. goods.
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Indian exports to the U.S. fell nearly 9 percent year-on-year in October to $6.31 billion from $6.91 billion, though they remained above September’s $5.47 billion. Washington is also pressing India to open its market to American farm products, including soybeans and grain sorghum, as negotiations continue amid tariff tensions.