US President Donald J. Trump said he spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning, following which the two countries agreed to a trade deal that includes a reduction in the US reciprocal tariff on India.
In a statement issued by the US President, Trump said it was an honour to speak with Prime Minister Modi and described him as a powerful and respected leader. He said the leaders discussed several issues, including trade and efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
According to Trump, Prime Minister Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil and increase purchases from the United States and potentially Venezuela, a move the US President said would help efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Trump said that out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi, and at Modi’s request, the United States has agreed to a trade deal with India under which the US will lower its reciprocal tariff from 25% to 18% with immediate effect. No other tariff or non-tariff measures were mentioned as part of the agreement.
The US President added that Prime Minister Modi committed to “buy American” at a higher level, including purchases of US energy, technology, agricultural products, coal and other goods.
Trump said the relationship between the two countries will strengthen further going forward following the agreement.
