Trump Seeks Call With PM Modi Before Finalizing India-U.S. Trade Deal
U.S. President Donald Trump wants to speak with PM Modi before approving the India-U.S. trade deal. Final call likely to follow high-level discussion.
President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi at the White House, February 13, 2025
As the long-awaited India-U.S. trade agreement inches closer to finalization, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi before giving his formal approval, according to sources familiar with the matter.
✅ Trade Deal Finalized, Awaiting Trump’s Green Light
Negotiations for the pact have concluded, with endorsements from senior officials on both sides — including U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. However, the final draft remains pending on Trump’s desk for over a week.
A source close to the development told 5WH, “President Trump has not finalized a single trade deal with a major economy without personally speaking to the head of state. The same is expected with India.”
📞 Call With 'Friend Modi' in the Works
Trump’s intention to speak with “his friend” Narendra Modi has reportedly been communicated to New Delhi. Modi, currently attending the Monsoon Session of Parliament, is expected to coordinate a time for the call, which would clear the path for the official announcement.
🇮🇳 "India’s Been a Good Friend": Trump
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed the deal is still in progress. “No, it’s not [finalized],” he said, responding to a question on the agreement’s status.
Addressing tariff concerns, Trump said, “We’re going to see. India’s been a good friend. Over the years, they’ve charged higher tariffs than almost any other country. But now I’m in charge, and you just can’t do that.”
He also referenced ongoing reports suggesting India may face elevated tariffs of 20–25% under the new framework, stating, “Yeah, I think so.”
Trump highlighted his diplomatic relationship with Modi, mentioning his involvement in de-escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. “They ended the war with Pakistan at my request, and it was great. And Pakistan did also,” he said.
💼 Trade Snapshot: India-U.S. 2024
According to the U.S. Trade Representative, bilateral goods trade between the U.S. and India in 2024 amounted to $129.2 billion:
- U.S. Exports: $41.8 billion
- U.S. Imports: $87.4 billion
- U.S. Trade Deficit: $45.7 billion
The final announcement of the trade agreement is expected after the scheduled call between Trump and Modi.
