New Delhi: Relations between India and the United States are currently experiencing some instability. India has repeatedly refuted claims made by US President Donald Trump. President Trump initially imposed tariffs, then increased them, and has now threatened to raise them again. Things have not been smooth between the two countries regarding trade agreements.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has now issued a significant statement regarding the talks with the US. India has called the claim made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, that the agreement failed because Prime Minister Modi did not speak directly with President Trump, “inaccurate.”
Ministry of External Affairs makes a strong statement.
Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to the US claim on Friday. He said that it is incorrect to say that the talks stalled due to a lack of personal communication. Both sides have held several rounds of talks since February of last year, and we are very close to a balanced agreement. He also clarified that Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump have spoken on the phone eight times so far in 2025.
India remains committed to a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement between the two complementary economies. Lutnick’s statement had fueled speculation that the hefty 50% tariffs imposed by the US on India were due to Trump’s personal resentment rather than trade interests.