Trump Calls PM Modi ‘Very Smart’ Amid India-US Tariff Talks, Says Deal Will ‘Work Out Very Well’

As the US prepares to implement 25% auto import tariffs, President Donald Trump praises PM Narendra Modi and signals optimism for future India-US trade relations under ‘Mission 500’.

New Delhi, March 29 – US President Donald Trump struck a conciliatory tone on trade talks with India, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “very smart man” and a “great friend,” while asserting that the ongoing tariff negotiations would likely end on a positive note.

Also Read: Canada PM Mark Carney Declares End of ‘Old Relationship’ With US Amid Auto Tariff Dispute

“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. He’s a very smart man and a great friend of mine actually, and we had very good talks. I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country, very, very well,” Trump told reporters.

Also Read: Trump Slaps 25% Tariff on All Imported Vehicles to Boost U.S. Manufacturing

Trump’s comments come just days after his administration announced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles, set to take effect from April 2. The policy is expected to affect a wide range of international automakers, including those with production bases outside the US, even if they are American-owned.

Also Read: India Can Turn US Tariff Pressures into Manufacturing Opportunity: Motilal Oswal Report

Trump has long criticized countries like India and China for imposing high tariffs on US goods. In February, he announced plans for “reciprocal tariffs,” stating: “They charge us, we charge them. We want to be fair.”

During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Washington DC in February 2025, both leaders committed to strengthening bilateral economic ties. A key highlight of the visit was the announcement of ‘Mission 500’ — a bold plan to raise India-US bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

The leaders emphasized a vision of “fairness, national security, and job creation” in future trade frameworks.

As the global trade landscape continues to evolve, all eyes are now on how India and the US navigate the latest round of tariff challenges — with the personal rapport between the two leaders playing a potentially pivotal role.

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India US trade talks, Donald Trump Narendra Modi, India high tariffs, Mission 500, US auto import tariff, reciprocal tariff policy, Trump Modi friendship, India US relations 2025, Indo US bilateral trade, Trump auto tariff April 2