Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari on Wednesday urged caution over US President Donald Trump’s recent statement expressing optimism about continuing trade negotiations with India, warning that Trump’s position could shift abruptly.
Speaking to ANI, Tewari said any talks must ultimately conclude on terms that protect India’s interests.
“It is not done till it is done. With great respect, you may have a different post from President Trump on Truth Social tomorrow. Until something concludes on terms that are not unfavourable to India, the proof of the pudding lies in its eating,” he remarked.
His comments came after Trump posted on Truth Social, voicing confidence in resolving trade differences and praising his “very good friend” Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I am pleased to announce that India and the United States are continuing negotiations to address trade barriers between our two nations. I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister Modi in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries,” Trump stated.
Prime Minister Modi responded positively, highlighting India-US ties as a partnership of “limitless potential.”
“India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest. I also look forward to speaking with President Trump,” Modi wrote on X.
Trump’s remarks followed his recent comments at the White House, where he reaffirmed his personal bond with Modi, calling India-US relations “very special,” despite expressing displeasure over trade issues. Modi, in turn, reciprocated by describing the bilateral relationship as “forward-looking” and anchored in a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
The backdrop to these exchanges is Washington’s imposition of steep tariffs on Indian imports—50% in total, including an additional 25% linked to India’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil. The US has argued that these imports indirectly support Moscow’s war in Ukraine, a claim New Delhi has pushed back against as it seeks to safeguard its economic and strategic autonomy.