Trump Promises India Trip as Indo‑US Ties Warm Up

US President Donald Trump announced during a G7 summit in France that he would visit India in the coming months, hinting at a historic shift in the relationship that had been marked by tariff threats and naval incidents.

The Brazilian‑style meeting saw Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a table, trading remarks about Indian sailors who were killed last week in a US‑fleet strike on a tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The discussion also included trade negotiations that had stalled after a US tariff announcement on countries seen as failing to eliminate forced labour.

Trump described Modi as a tough negotiator and stressed that the US would support India if the country faced external attacks. He also clarified that a new tariff schedule for forced‑labour‑related imports could still be years away, leaving the specifics unclear.

In a G7 talk, Modi highlighted the need to protect Indian seafarers, referencing the loss of Indian civilians in Middle‑East conflicts and urging the UN to build trust to secure safe routes through the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly 20% of global oil traffic passes.

The two leaders agreed that they would explore finalising a trade deal that would lift the approximate 10% import duty the US currently levies on Indian goods. The US court had earlier struck down higher tariffs, which had once reached 50%.

Self‑contained diplomatic efforts from both governments could now lead to a stable partnership and renewed cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific, a shift that many analysts say could counterbalance Chinese influence in the region.

Observers note that Trump’s promise might trigger a meeting of commerce can‑tenders in Delhi next week to close remaining trade talks, nudging a long‑awaited deal that may provide commerce‑benefits to both economies.