Key Points
- President Trump stated he could visit India in the coming year, confirming he has an open invitation from PM Modi.
- Trade talks between the US and India are progressing “very well,” according to Trump, with a goal to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
- Trump claimed India has “largely stopped” purchasing Russian oil, a statement that contrasts with recent data showing a slight increase in imports in October 2025.
- The White House recently hosted a Diwali celebration, where Trump spoke directly with PM Modi, highlighting a strong bilateral commitment.
- A new US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, has been appointed.
Washington D.C.: US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday his intention to visit India, possibly next year, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During a press conference at the White House, Trump spoke warmly of his relationship with the Indian leader, calling him a “great man” and a “friend”. “He wants me to come to India. We’ll find a solution. I’ll go,” Trump stated, recalling his positive experience during his last visit in 2020. These comments reflect a consistent sentiment from the White House, which recently affirmed that Trump holds “deep respect” for Modi and that the two leaders communicate frequently.
Trade Negotiations Progressing Amid Challenges
The potential visit is set against a backdrop of ongoing, high-stakes trade negotiations. President Trump and Indian officials have both described the talks as “going very well,” though they acknowledge the presence of “many sensitive and serious issues”. The discussions are part of a broader effort to finalize the first phase of a comprehensive Bilateral Trade Agreement. The ambitious goal is to elevate bilateral trade from the current $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030. However, tensions remain, particularly concerning US tariffs of up to 50% on certain Indian goods, which were imposed partly in response to India’s continued energy trade with Russia.
The Russian Oil Factor
A significant point in Trump’s recent remarks was his claim that Prime Minister Modi has “largely stopped buying oil from Russia”. However, recent shipping data presents a more complex picture. While some Indian refiners are reportedly planning to reduce direct Russian oil imports starting in late November due to new US sanctions, imports actually saw a slight increase in October 2025. In October, Russia remained India’s top crude oil supplier, a position it has held since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, accounting for about 35-40% of India’s total oil imports in 2025.
Diplomatic Overtures
Reinforcing the diplomatic relationship, the White House hosted a Diwali celebration in October, during which President Trump lit a ceremonial lamp and spoke directly with Prime Minister Modi. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the event as a reflection of the President’s strong commitment to US-India relations. The administration also recently appointed Sergio Gor as the new US ambassador to India, filling a key diplomatic post. These gestures underscore a continued effort to strengthen ties, even as the two nations work through significant economic and geopolitical issues.
