The US president and Indian PM have expressed confidence that negotiations on an agreement will be concluded soon

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have confirmed that Washington and New Delhi are continuing their trade talks, expressing optimism that the negotiations would conclude soon.

In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said he was looking forward to discussions with Modi in the near future.

"I am pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations," Trump wrote. "I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!"

Calling India and the US "close friends and natural partners," Modi wrote in a post on X on Wednesday that the trade negotiations "will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential" of the relationship.

"I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump," he added. "We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people."

The US has imposed duties on most Indian products, which include a 25% tariff announced in early August followed by an additional 25% at the end of last month, as a "penalty" for India's purchases of Russian oil and defense equipment - actions that Trump claims have indirectly fueled the Ukraine conflict.

Trump's Tuesday post came a few hours after he reportedly urged the European Union (EU) toimpose tariffsof up to 100% on imports from China and India, as part of a joint effort to pressure Moscow.

Trump made the demand during a recent phone call to a meeting in Washington between high-ranking American and EU officials, who were discussing ways to increase the economic costs of the Ukraine conflict for Russia, according to the Financial Times.

Trump made the demand during a recent phone call to a meeting in Washington between high-ranking US and EU officials, who were discussing ways to increase the economic costs of the Ukraine conflict for Russia, according to the Financial Times.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cautioned the West against using a "colonial tone" toward India and China, saying last week that efforts to punish them are aimed at slowing their economic rise. "Talking to such partners in such a tone of voice is unacceptable."

(RT.com)