Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday responded swiftly to Donald Trump&rsquo;s post on Truth Social, underlining confidence that the much-anticipated India-US trade deal will move forward and unlock the full potential of the partnership.
&ldquo;India and the US are close friends and natural partners. 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,&rdquo; PM Modi said in a post on X.
Authoritative sources confirmed that a trade delegation led by chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal will head to Washington next week to resume talks. While dates are being finalised, diplomatic channels are buzzing between New Delhi and Washington to fast-track the discussions.
President Trump, in his statement, reinforced the momentum: &ldquo;I am pleased to announce that India and the US are continuing negotiations to address trade barriers between our two nations. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, PM Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries.&rdquo;
The direct engagement at the top level is seen as crucial to breaking bureaucratic deadlocks. The renewed thrust on trade comes ahead of the Quad Summit, adding significance to the leaders&rsquo; intervention.
Alongside trade, the two countries are also pushing ahead on defence ties. A US delegation is expected in India on September 17&ndash;18 to discuss pricing for six P-8I anti-submarine warfare aircraft, a deal worth nearly $3 billion. Later this month, India and the US are also slated to sign an agreement for the purchase of 113 GE-404 aircraft engines to power the Tejas Mark I-A fighter jets.
Despite occasional discordant voices from Washington targeting New Delhi, officials say the overall trajectory of the India-US relationship remains positive, strategic, and forward-looking. Both Modi and Trump are clearly driving the agenda to ensure a win-win trade agreement and deeper bilateral convergence.

India, US leaders steer trade deal talks as negotiators prepare for Washington round

Will Modi-Trump Reset Seal the Trade Deal?

India, US leaders steer trade deal talks as negotiators prepare for Washington round

September 10, 2025 | 15:15 IST