Patna: After months of tensions triggered by additional tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration, the United States and India appear to be moving towards reconciliation on trade issues. Trump has indicated a softer stance, stating that he would personally speak with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi, in turn, responded positively to the idea. Against this backdrop, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said during a media briefing in Patna that the ongoing trade talks between the two nations are showing promising progress.
Deal Expected by November
Trump and Modi had earlier expressed intent to finalize trade agreements by November. According to Goyal, the two countries have already held six rounds of discussions, which stalled midway due to tariff disputes. However, both sides are now ready to resume negotiations, and Goyal said they aim to reach a comprehensive agreement by November. He described the talks as “intense and progressing well.”
#BREAKING || India-U.S Trade Deal Back on Track!
– India optimistic about November deadline
– Union Minister Piyush Goyal's big statement:
▪︎ 'First part should be done by November'
▪︎ 'Discussions on since March'
▪︎ 'Progress has been made'
▪︎ 'Both India & U.S are… pic.twitter.com/0PPAYlcMMK
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 11, 2025
Tone Shift in Bilateral Relations
The renewed willingness to talk signals a major change in tone from both leaders. Trump remarked that he is looking forward to speaking with Modi soon, while Modi said he too is waiting for the opportunity to engage with Trump, calling the US and India “close friends.” Analysts say this shift in rhetoric could play a key role in easing trade tensions between the two nations.
Meanwhile, concerns have risen after reports that Trump urged the European Union during a recent conference call to impose 100% tariffs on imports from China and India. Senior American and EU officials had met in Washington to discuss sanctions on Russia when Trump reportedly suggested the move. He is said to have proposed that such tariffs remain in place until China and India stop purchasing oil from Russia, as part of efforts to exert greater economic pressure on Moscow.