'Going to work out very well': Trump optimistic about US-India trade talks, calls PM Modi a ‘smart man’

PM Modi visited Washington D.C. in February and held bilateral talks with Trump, marking his first official trip since Trump began his second term in office.

US President Donald Trump on Friday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very smart man" and a "great friend," expressing confidence that ongoing tariff-related discussions between India and the United States would yield positive results.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said, “Prime Minister Modi was here just recently and we have always been very good friends.” His remarks come against the backdrop of his repeated criticism of India's high tariff structure on American goods.

“India is one of the highest tariffing nations in the world… it’s brutal, it’s brutal. They’re very smart. He (Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country,” Trump said.

The US President further lauded the Indian leader, saying, “I want to say you have a great Prime Minister.”

Prime Minister Modi visited Washington D.C. in February and held bilateral talks with Trump, marking his first official trip since Trump began his second term in office.

Trump has previously slammed India for imposing high tariffs on American products and has warned that the US would implement reciprocal tariffs on nations levying duties on US goods starting April 2. However, his latest remarks indicate optimism about a potential breakthrough in tariff negotiations with India.