Are US-India ties set for a rebound after Trump’s trade talk optimism?

A potential visit by US President Donald Trump to India could provide the impetus to conclude trade talks between New Delhi and Washington, analysts say, amid doubts about his commitment to the Indo-Pacific due to uncertainty over a proposed Quad security summit in the Indian capital.

Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday that his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were “going great” and that a visit to Delhi could take place next year, though he declined to specify a date.

His remarks follow months of tensions triggered by Washington’s decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports, citing Delhi’s continued oil purchases from Russia.

In recent weeks, however, Trump has sounded more optimistic about the bilateral ties, noting Modi’s pledge to scale back Russian oil imports, which analysts say could pave the way for a trade deal.

While some Indian officials have hinted that such a deal is within reach, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has sought to temper expectations, insisting that India would not allow itself to be pressured.

Harsh Pant, a professor of international relations at King’s College London, said a Trump visit would signal a rebound in the relationship between Delhi and Washington.