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Trump Signals 2026 India Visit as Trade Talks Warm Up and Russian Oil Imports Dip
Summary: President Donald Trump has praised PM Modi and hinted at a 2026 India visit amid improving trade negotiations and India’s strategic reduction in Russian oil imports. A potential tariff cut could reshape India-US economic ties.
In a promising shift for India-US relations, President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations with New Delhi and hinted at a potential visit to India in 2026, contingent on an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump noted that India has significantly reduced its imports of Russian oil, aligning with recent U.S. sanctions on Russian energy firms Rosneft and Lukoil, which take effect on November 21.
Trump fondly recalled his last visit to India, calling PM Modi “a great man” and “a friend”, signaling a possible revival of personal diplomacy between the two leaders.
India-U.S. relations had recently faced turbulence due to:
However, trade negotiations are now gaining momentum. According to Alexandra Hermann, Head of Southeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics, both sides are optimistic about reaching a trade deal by year-end, possibly within weeks.
Hermann added:
“Tariffs on Indian goods could be slashed to 20%, bringing India closer to its Asian peers like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.”
Yet, she cautioned that India may not reach the 15% tariff level enjoyed by Japan and South Korea, due to unresolved issues around Russian oil purchases, agricultural imports, and limited investment commitments in the U.S.
India’s move to reduce Russian oil imports comes as Asian refiners face steep discounts on Russian crude, according to a Reuters report. With sanctions looming, both Indian and Chinese refiners have begun cutting back.
However, experts warn that a complete phase-out of Russian oil is unlikely. Prateek Pandey, Head of APAC Oil & Gas Research at Rystad Energy, said:
“India’s ‘economics-first’ approach will be tested more than ever. Deep discounts on Russian crude make a full exit unrealistic.”
India’s Petroleum Ministry has not yet commented on the scale of the import cuts.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump noted that India has significantly reduced its imports of Russian oil, aligning with recent U.S. sanctions on Russian energy firms Rosneft and Lukoil, which take effect on November 21.
Trump fondly recalled his last visit to India, calling PM Modi “a great man” and “a friend”, signaling a possible revival of personal diplomacy between the two leaders.
Trade Talks: A New Chapter
India-U.S. relations had recently faced turbulence due to:
- High tariffs on Indian exports (currently 50%, higher than China’s 47%)
- A $100,000 fee on H1B visas
Trump’s controversial claims of mediating India-Pakistan tensions
However, trade negotiations are now gaining momentum. According to Alexandra Hermann, Head of Southeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics, both sides are optimistic about reaching a trade deal by year-end, possibly within weeks.
Hermann added:
“Tariffs on Indian goods could be slashed to 20%, bringing India closer to its Asian peers like Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines.”
Yet, she cautioned that India may not reach the 15% tariff level enjoyed by Japan and South Korea, due to unresolved issues around Russian oil purchases, agricultural imports, and limited investment commitments in the U.S.
Russian Oil: Strategic Shift or Temporary Pause?
India’s move to reduce Russian oil imports comes as Asian refiners face steep discounts on Russian crude, according to a Reuters report. With sanctions looming, both Indian and Chinese refiners have begun cutting back.
However, experts warn that a complete phase-out of Russian oil is unlikely. Prateek Pandey, Head of APAC Oil & Gas Research at Rystad Energy, said:
“India’s ‘economics-first’ approach will be tested more than ever. Deep discounts on Russian crude make a full exit unrealistic.”
India’s Petroleum Ministry has not yet commented on the scale of the import cuts.
Keywords: India-US Trade Relations,Donald Trump India Visit,Russian Oil Imports India
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