Chicago – December 12, 2025
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that he spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone on Thursday, as New Delhi pushes for reductions to steep US tariffs some as high as 50% imposed on key Indian exports in retaliation for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Modi shared on X that the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and exchanged views on major regional and global issues. A White House official confirmed the call, though no additional details were provided. This marks the third time Modi and Trump have spoken since Washington doubled tariffs on several Indian goods, including textiles, chemicals, and food items such as shrimp.
Describing the call as “warm and engaging,” Modi emphasized that both countries remain committed to working together to promote global stability, peace, and prosperity.
Trade talks between India and the US fell apart in late July after India refused to further open its markets to American agricultural products and avoided acknowledging Trump’s claimed role in mediating India-Pakistan tensions earlier this year. Despite the breakdown, discussions have quietly continued, especially as Indian refiners begin reducing Russian crude imports following US sanctions on oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil aimed at pressuring Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.
This week, US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer met Indian officials in New Delhi for two days to continue negotiations regarding Washington’s punitive tariffs linked to India’s Russian oil purchases. The US Trade Representative’s office has not yet commented on the meetings. According to a senior administration official speaking anonymously, it remains uncertain whether a trade agreement can be finalized before year-end.
Ryan Majerus, former senior US Commerce Department official and now with King & Spalding, noted that an eventual deal with India is likely due to its growing influence in the global economy.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi last week, offering India guaranteed fuel supplies and openly challenging US pressure to stop India from buying Russian energy.
Indian government data shows that exports to the US declined by nearly 9% in October, dropping to $6.31 billion from $6.91 billion a year earlier, though the figure still rose from $5.47 billion in September.
The US continues to urge India to cut tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American products and provide greater access to its market for US agricultural exports, including soybeans and grain sorghum.
