Modi-Trump social media camaraderie revives hopes for U.S.-India trade deal; Energy, defence tie ups on cards

Amid the cordial social media exchanges between U.S. president Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there is a possibility that the two leaders may meet each other on the sidelines of some global events.

U.S.-India Business Council President Atul Keshap, speaking to ANI, revealed that the time was ripe for the bilateral deal to be concluded.

“There has been some talk about a possible meeting of the two leaders possibly on the sidelines of one of the gatherings like ASEAN. It is important to keep that leader to leader equation, especially when the leaders are such capable and strong people who are very sure about what they want,” said Keshap.

For Keshap, there is massive potential for the partnership to increase the well-being of the citizens of both the nations, especially when the U.S. has a massive Indian diaspora.

“We believe in the partnership and the potential of us. India. We believe that all of the last the work of the last 25 years should not be squandered, and we should get it done for the happiness and well-being of both [of the nations,]” added Keshap.

Meanwhile, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to the USA, revealed in a series of posts on X that there has been some headway in the conversations between the two nations since Trump wrote his ‘good friend’ post on Truth Social.

“I welcome that President Trump is sending one of his most trusted aides, @SergioGor to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to India. This move is viewed as a sign of importance and priority of India-U.S. ties, and a commitment to strengthen the bridges and deepen the bonds of friendship between our two countries,” Kwatra informed in the first post.

Donald Trump had recently appointed Sergio Gor as the U.S. Ambassador to India.

“A fruitful conversation with [the U.S.] Senator [Dan Sullivan], member of India Caucus and a good friend of India. Thanked him for his strong support to the bilateral relationship. We exchanged views on issues of mutual interest including ongoing joint military exercise ‘Yudh Abhyas’ in Alaska, potential LNG purchases from Alaska as a vital component of our energy security, and our commitment to support peace in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy,” Kwatra wrote in another post.

Kwatra revealed that aside from speaking to the U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, he also briefed Senator Mike Crapo, who heads the finance committee in the U.S., on achieving a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

“Had the privilege to brief Senator @MikeCrapo, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee on our efforts towards a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade engagement and enhanced discussions on defense and energy cooperation between India and the US. Grateful for his strong leadership and support to further strengthening of our ties,” Kwatra wrote in the latest post.

From these posts, it is evident that the conversation between the two nations is expected to have revolved around energy and defence, hinting at possible agreements on India accepting U.S. exports from these sectors.

As Donald Trump wrote in a recent post announcing the continuance of negotiations on trade barriers, there has been renewed optimism on a possible bilateral deal happening soon. Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that PM Modi is his good friend and that he feels there will not be any difficulty in arriving at a conclusion this time.

Following which PM Modi echoed his sentiments and wrote on X, “I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”