US President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that he may visit India next year, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great friend" as the two countries continue trade discussions.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said his conversations with Modi were progressing smoothly and highlighted their personal rapport. "He is a friend of mine, and we speak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great man. He wants me to go there. We will figure that out, I will go," Trump stated. When asked if he planned to visit India next year, Trump responded, "It could be, yes."
The statement comes amid ongoing trade talks between the two nations. The United States recently imposed a 50 percent tariff, including an additional 25 percent duty, on India over its purchase of Russian oil. Trump praised Modi for largely stopping purchases from Russia.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said earlier this week that Trump "feels very strongly about the India-US relationship," noting he recently celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office with Indian-American officials.
India's Ministry of External Affairs has maintained that the country's energy sourcing decisions are based on national interests and consumer welfare, guided by the need to safeguard Indian consumers in a volatile energy scenario.
