'PM Modi is a very smart man, India-US tariff issues will work out well': Trump

US President Donald Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend” and a “very smart man,” highlighting their strong rapport and India’s economic strengths. While criticizing India’s high tariffs and restrictive trade practices, Trump expressed optimism about resolving trade issues. India has responded by reducing tariffs and increasing energy imports from the US. Defense ties are also strengthening, with discussions on F-35 jets. Trump remains confident about deepening US-India cooperation in trade, defense, and technology.

US President Donald Trump has once again lauded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great friend” and a “very smart man.” Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump emphasized the strong rapport he shares with Modi and commended India’s economic capabilities. While acknowledging ongoing trade challenges, he expressed optimism about reaching mutually beneficial agreements between the two nations.

“Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we’ve always been very good friends. India is one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world… They’re very smart,” Trump remarked. “He is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country. And I want to say you have a great prime minister," he added.

Trump’s comments come as the United States gears up to implement reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including India, as part of a broader effort to address what he describes as unfair trade practices. Trump has previously criticized India’s trade policies, referring to the country as the “tariff king” and characterizing its import duties as “very unfair and strong.”

“I have a very good relationship with India, but the only problem I have with India is they’re one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world. I believe they’re probably going to lower those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us,” Trump noted.

He further criticized India for restrictive trade policies, stating, “You can’t sell anything into India, it is almost restrictive. They have agreed, by the way, that they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done.”

In response to these issues, India has made notable efforts to improve trade relations with the US. Since February, New Delhi has committed to significantly increasing its energy imports from the US, raising the total from 15billionlastyearto15 billion last year to 15billionlastyearto25 billion. This move underscores India’s dedication to strengthening economic ties with its American counterpart.

On the defense front, Trump revealed potential plans for India to acquire F-35 stealth fighter jets, signaling deepening military collaboration between the two countries. Additionally, the US is positioning itself as a key supplier of oil, natural gas, and advanced defense equipment to India.

Taking steps to address concerns about high tariffs, India has already reduced import duties on several key products. Notably, tariffs on bourbon whiskey were cut from 150 percent to 100 percent, while February’s budget introduced lower duties on luxury cars, solar cells, and machinery. Overall, India’s peak import tariffs have been reduced to 70 percent, with average tariffs now below 11 percent.

In a related development, Elon Musk’s Starlink is close to receiving final regulatory approval in India. The company has partnered with domestic giants Reliance and Airtel, a collaboration expected to accelerate its expansion into emerging markets.

Despite the challenges, Trump’s remarks reflect his confidence in the potential for stronger US-India relations. By addressing trade imbalances and fostering cooperation in areas such as defense and technology, both nations appear poised to achieve significant progress in their partnership.