US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about trade negotiations with India, stating that talks are "going good" and hinting at a possible visit to the country in 2026. Trump praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "great man" and a friend, and noted that India has "largely stopped" buying Russian oil.

Trade Talks Progressing

The US and India have been engaged in trade negotiations, with both sides aiming to reach a deal by the end of the year. Trump mentioned that tariffs on Indian goods could be reduced to around 20%, placing India on par with countries like Vietnam and Thailand. However, experts believe that the baseline tariff may not fall to Japan and South Korea's level of 15% due to sticking points around Russian oil purchases and agricultural imports.

India's Russian Oil Imports

Trump's claim that India has "largely stopped" buying Russian oil has sparked debate, with experts cautioning that completely phasing out Russian oil imports may not be realistic for India. Recent US sanctions on Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil have led Indian refiners to reduce imports, but analysts believe that India's energy needs will continue to drive its decisions. 

Possible Visit in 2026

Trump's possible visit to India in 2026 could provide an opportunity for the two leaders to reset bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in areas like defense technology, clean energy, and digital trade. The visit would also be a significant moment for the US-India strategic partnership, which has faced tensions in recent months.

Key Takeaways

Trade Talks: US-India trade negotiations are progressing, with both sides aiming for a deal by the end of the year.
Tariffs: Tariffs on Indian goods could be reduced to around 20%, but may not fall to Japan and South Korea's level of 15%.
Russian Oil: India has reduced its Russian oil imports due to US sanctions, but completely phasing out imports may not be realistic.
Trump's Visit: A possible visit in 2026 could provide an opportunity for the two leaders to reset bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation.