US President Donald Trump sees Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “friend,” according to the US State Department's spokesperson, Margaret MacLeod. Speaking on Tuesday, MacLeod highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, noting that they are “working on a higher level for the nations’ interests.” She emphasised that both countries have "joint interests" and are committed to deepening cooperation across a range of sectors, including technology, business, and security.
"President Trump sees him as a friend. We both (India and the US) have joint interests and are working on a higher level for the nations' interests. There is a lot we can work on, be it against terrorist operations, on cooperation for advanced technologies, and increasing business opportunities. Our future is very bright," MacLeod said, reflecting on the optimistic outlook for future collaboration.
Fighting terrorism together: The extradition of Tahawwur Rana
One of the standout examples of US-India cooperation is the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, the key suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also known as 26/11. MacLeod pointed out that the extradition of Rana demonstrates the strength of the US-India partnership in combating terrorism. “26/11 was a horrific incident and Rana should face the law, and I hope this cooperation continues in the future,” she added.
The extradition of Rana has been a significant milestone, underscoring the shared commitment to bringing justice for the victims of one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent history. It marks another step in the ongoing US-India collaboration against terrorism.
Trump’s vision for Bilateral Trade with India
Despite the strengthening of ties in security and technology, trade remains a more complicated area in the US-India relationship. Earlier this year, President Trump had expressed frustration with India’s tariff policies, accusing the country of charging exorbitant duties on US products.
“India, very, very tough. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. He's a great friend of mine, but I said, 'You're a friend of mine, but you're not treating us right,'" Trump had said during a speech. He explained that India imposed tariffs as high as 52 per cent, while the US charged almost nothing on Indian goods.
However, Trump’s stance on tariffs has shifted somewhat. In an unexpected move, he announced a 90-day pause on tariff implementation for all countries, including India, but excluding China. This pause is seen as an opportunity for both countries to negotiate and resolve trade differences in the coming months.
Bilateral Trade Agreement talks loom
This week, the US and India are set to begin formal discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with both sides hopeful for a fair deal that can benefit both economies. Trump expressed his desire for a deal that would promote business between the two countries on the basis of “justice and equality.” These talks are expected to address contentious issues such as tariffs, intellectual property rights, and market access.
As the trade talks unfold, the focus will be on finding a mutually beneficial arrangement that strengthens economic ties and fosters deeper cooperation.
The relationship between the US and India has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly under the leadership of Trump and Modi. From tackling terrorism to advancing technological collaboration and exploring new business opportunities, both countries are working to build a future marked by closer cooperation.
While past trade disagreements still linger, the recent pause on tariffs and the upcoming trade talks signal a new phase in US-India relations. If successful, the Bilateral Trade Agreement could pave the way for even stronger ties between the two nations, benefiting their economies and further solidifying their global partnership.
"President Trump sees him as a friend. We both (India and the US) have joint interests and are working on a higher level for the nations' interests. There is a lot we can work on, be it against terrorist operations, on cooperation for advanced technologies, and increasing business opportunities. Our future is very bright," MacLeod said, reflecting on the optimistic outlook for future collaboration.
#WATCH | London, UK | U.S. State Department's Hindustani Spokesperson, Margaret MacLeod says, "If a non-American wants to live in US over 30 days, they should register with DHS and their are new facilities for such people, which is a new app named CBP Home that people can use… pic.twitter.com/5pa1GmE37Q
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2025
Fighting terrorism together: The extradition of Tahawwur Rana
One of the standout examples of US-India cooperation is the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, the key suspect in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also known as 26/11. MacLeod pointed out that the extradition of Rana demonstrates the strength of the US-India partnership in combating terrorism. “26/11 was a horrific incident and Rana should face the law, and I hope this cooperation continues in the future,” she added.
The extradition of Rana has been a significant milestone, underscoring the shared commitment to bringing justice for the victims of one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent history. It marks another step in the ongoing US-India collaboration against terrorism.
#WATCH | London, UK | On 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Rana's extradition to India, U.S. State Department's Hindustani Spokesperson, Margaret MacLeod says, "The extradition of Tahawwur Rana is a great example of the cooperation of India and USA over terrorism. 26/11 was a… pic.twitter.com/AGIb8zwjhu
— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2025
Trump’s vision for Bilateral Trade with India
Despite the strengthening of ties in security and technology, trade remains a more complicated area in the US-India relationship. Earlier this year, President Trump had expressed frustration with India’s tariff policies, accusing the country of charging exorbitant duties on US products.
“India, very, very tough. Very, very tough. The Prime Minister just left. He's a great friend of mine, but I said, 'You're a friend of mine, but you're not treating us right,'" Trump had said during a speech. He explained that India imposed tariffs as high as 52 per cent, while the US charged almost nothing on Indian goods.
However, Trump’s stance on tariffs has shifted somewhat. In an unexpected move, he announced a 90-day pause on tariff implementation for all countries, including India, but excluding China. This pause is seen as an opportunity for both countries to negotiate and resolve trade differences in the coming months.
Bilateral Trade Agreement talks loom
This week, the US and India are set to begin formal discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with both sides hopeful for a fair deal that can benefit both economies. Trump expressed his desire for a deal that would promote business between the two countries on the basis of “justice and equality.” These talks are expected to address contentious issues such as tariffs, intellectual property rights, and market access.
As the trade talks unfold, the focus will be on finding a mutually beneficial arrangement that strengthens economic ties and fosters deeper cooperation.
The relationship between the US and India has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly under the leadership of Trump and Modi. From tackling terrorism to advancing technological collaboration and exploring new business opportunities, both countries are working to build a future marked by closer cooperation.
While past trade disagreements still linger, the recent pause on tariffs and the upcoming trade talks signal a new phase in US-India relations. If successful, the Bilateral Trade Agreement could pave the way for even stronger ties between the two nations, benefiting their economies and further solidifying their global partnership.
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