Donald Trump says talks with friend PM Modi on trade deal going well, plans to visit India

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the India-US trade deal were going well, and he could visit the country next year.

Trump made the remark while responding to a question on trade deal talks.

“They are going good (trade talks). He is a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there (to India). We will figure that out, I will go,” said Trump.

"It could be, yes," responded Trump when asked about his plan to visit India next year.

Trump added that PM Modi is a great man.

The US President's remark came a day after White House said that Trump speaks often with Modi and trade teams from both countries continue to hold talks.

On Wednesday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India and the US are holding continuous discussions for the proposed bilateral trade agreement.

"Talks are going well...and are continuously going on. Kaee samvedanasheel mudde hai, kaee gambheer mudde hai, toh svaabhaavik hai ki thoda samay lagega (There are many sensitive issues, many serious issues, so it is natural that it will take some time)," Goyal told reporters.

Last month, Modi and Trump discussed trade issues during a phone conversation as both sides work to repair bilateral ties amid tensions over the imposition of 50% tariffs, including 25% levies on India's purchase of Russian crude oil.

In his remarks following the call to extend Diwali Greetings, Trump described the India-US relationship as 'great', saying the two sides are working on some 'great deals".

An Indian readout said Modi emphasised the enduring strength of the India-US partnership and reiterated India's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and fostering international cooperation.

On 11 October, US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor also held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various issues and said that President Donald Trump considers Modi a great and personal friend.

India-US holding continuous discussions

Five rounds of talks have been completed so far for the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement between the US and India.

Last month, a team of Indian officials, headed by Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, visited Washington to hold trade talks with their US counterparts.