'Trump is very positive about India', will the trade deal get back on track after the White House statement?

News Topical, Digital Desk : India-US trade relations appear to be back on track. The White House said on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump is "very positive" about the relationship between the two countries and that he frequently speaks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about this.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said the trade teams of both countries are in very serious discussions on the issue. She said, “The president is very positive and feels very good about the India-US relationship.”

Trump positive on India-US relations

Levitt also said that President Trump recently spoke directly to PM Modi during Diwali celebrations in the Oval Office and he keeps talking to him often.

The US press secretary further said, "The President and his trade team are continuing to have serious discussions with India on this subject." Last week in South Korea, Trump hinted at resuming trade talks with India. He expressed hope that a new trade agreement would be reached.

But this was affected after India imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian imports in response to Russian oil purchases. Earlier on October 28, speaking before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Trump had also called Prime Minister Modi the "nicest guy."

Signs of resumption of trade talks

Relations between the two countries have soured over the past few months due to a series of claims made by Trump regarding India. The US president first imposed a 25 percent tariff on India on July 30th. A few weeks later, Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff, citing Russian oil purchases.

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