Washington, D.C.: In remarks on Monday, former US President Donald Trump indicated that the United States is moving closer to a trade agreement with India, and pledged that tariffs imposed on Indian goods would be reduced “at some point.” The comments, delivered at the swearing-in ceremony of Sergio Gor as the new US ambassador to India, come after months of heightened tensions over trade and energy policy, particularly India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Trump, addressing the ceremony, said that while relations may currently be strained, he anticipates a positive resolution. “Right now they don’t love me, but they’ll love us again,” he stated. He added that the two nations were nearing a “fair deal” and that a mutually beneficial agreement was within reach. “We’re getting a fair deal… pretty close to doing a deal that’s good for everybody,” Trump remarked.

The president’s comments represent a potential easing of trade tensions that have simmered since earlier this year, when the United States imposed additional tariffs on Indian exports. In August, Trump’s administration doubled tariffs on a range of Indian goods, raising rates to as high as 50 percent. The increase was widely interpreted as a strategy to pressure India to reduce purchases of Russian crude oil amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The move came amid longstanding concerns over perceived trade imbalances, including high import duties and regulatory barriers that the US argued hindered American exports to India.

Trump attributed the high tariffs to India’s oil trade with Russia, noting that the country has “stopped doing the Russian oil very substantially.” He characterized this as a positive step that would pave the way for tariff reductions. “Yeah, we’re going to be bringing the tariffs down, I mean at some point,” Trump said, highlighting a willingness to recalibrate trade measures based on India’s recent adjustments to its energy sourcing policies.

The remarks were made during the swearing-in of Sergio Gor, the former head of Trump’s personnel office, who has assumed the role of US ambassador to India. Trump praised Gor’s efforts in cultivating relationships with Indian officials, noting his “friendly” rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The former president emphasized that Gor’s appointment would strengthen bilateral ties across multiple domains, including investment, energy, technology, and security cooperation. “As ambassador, Sergio will work to fortify our country’s bonds, promote investments in key US industries and technologies, increase American energy exports, and expand our security cooperation,” Trump said.

Analysts note that the timing of the announcement is significant, coming at a moment when US-India trade negotiations have been ongoing for several months. The administration has sought to address perceived imbalances in bilateral trade while simultaneously advancing broader geopolitical objectives, including reducing India’s reliance on Russian energy and reinforcing strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.

The trade discussions, which have included multiple rounds of dialogue between officials from both countries, have focused on several contentious issues. Among these are Indian tariffs on American products, regulatory barriers affecting US businesses, and broader measures to facilitate investment and market access. Trump’s latest remarks suggest that progress has been made in at least one area, namely India’s reduction of Russian oil purchases, which had been a central point of US concern and the stated justification for the previous tariff hike.

The US administration, including Treasury officials such as Scott Bessent, had earlier criticized India for profiting from Russian oil imports despite international sanctions. The increased tariffs were therefore framed not solely as a trade measure but as a tool to exert geopolitical pressure in coordination with broader Western policies. Trump’s statement that tariffs would be reduced indicates a potential recalibration of this approach, contingent on India’s compliance with energy and trade expectations.

Observers suggest that if implemented, the reduction of tariffs could have wide-ranging economic implications. Indian exporters, who have faced elevated costs due to the additional duties, could experience relief, potentially boosting trade flows and increasing revenue from US markets. At the same time, American industries, particularly those involved in technology, industrial goods, and energy, may benefit from improved access to Indian markets and enhanced opportunities for investment and collaboration.

Trump’s framing of the prospective agreement as “fair” emphasizes reciprocity and balance, portraying the negotiations as a resolution to past perceived inequities in the bilateral trade relationship. This messaging aligns with Trump’s broader trade strategy during his presidency, which focused on correcting perceived imbalances and securing agreements that were presented as equitable for the United States while addressing key economic and strategic priorities of partner nations.

While details of the prospective trade deal remain largely undisclosed, Trump’s public remarks convey confidence that an agreement is imminent and constructive. They also underscore the administration’s dual objectives of economic engagement and geopolitical strategy, with tariffs serving both as a leverage tool and a negotiable element in broader discussions.

The appointment of Sergio Gor as US ambassador further signals Washington’s commitment to strengthening institutional ties with India. In his role, Gor is expected to play a key part in facilitating trade discussions, promoting American economic interests, and enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas ranging from energy security to technological collaboration. By linking trade negotiations to diplomatic representation, the US administration is emphasizing the strategic importance of the India-US relationship and the need for coordinated, high-level engagement.

In conclusion, President Trump’s statements on Monday indicate a potential thaw in the trade dispute between the US and India, with the promise of tariff reductions contingent upon India’s recent energy decisions. The announcement reflects ongoing efforts to balance commercial and geopolitical interests while advancing mutual economic benefits. As talks continue, both nations appear to be moving toward a resolution that may stabilize trade relations, enhance strategic cooperation, and foster a more predictable framework for bilateral commerce in the coming years.