Trump Calls Modi ‘A Great Man,’ Hints at India Visit in 2026

US President Donald Trump has once again called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a great man” while confirming that trade talks between India and the United States are “going good.” The American leader also hinted that he may visit India next year, marking another milestone in strengthening the India-US partnership.

Speaking at a press briefing from the White House, Trump said that discussions between Washington and New Delhi on a high-stakes trade deal are progressing positively. He also expressed admiration for Prime Minister Modi, calling him “a friend” and noting India’s decision to “largely stop buying oil from Russia,” a claim he has repeated over the past few weeks.

Trump had earlier imposed 50% tariffs on India, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil and arms, arguing that such deals indirectly supported Moscow’s war efforts. India, however, has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that its oil imports are based on national interest and affordability.

The US and India have been negotiating a comprehensive trade deal aimed at expanding cooperation across technology, energy, and defense sectors. Trump emphasized that the two countries are “working together like never before,” adding, “Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and I will be going [to India]. We’ll figure that out soon.”

While Trump did not specify exact dates, he suggested that the visit could happen sometime in 2026. His remarks come amid uncertainty about whether he will attend the upcoming Quad Summit — a strategic forum involving the US, India, Japan, and Australia — which India is scheduled to host later this year. The Quad aims to strengthen regional stability and promote economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Despite Trump’s claims about India cutting down on Russian oil imports, recent data indicates that the imports slightly increased in October compared to the previous month. India remains the second-largest importer of Russian crude, following China. In 2024, Russian oil accounted for nearly 40% of India’s total imports, up sharply from just 3% in 2021.

India has consistently defended its purchases, citing the need to secure affordable energy for its vast population. The Indian government has argued that as a developing economy, it must prioritize the welfare of its citizens while balancing global diplomatic commitments.

Meanwhile, Washington continues to encourage New Delhi to increase its imports of American oil and gas. A spokesperson from India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas earlier confirmed that both sides are engaged in “ongoing discussions” aimed at deepening energy cooperation and diversifying India’s import sources.

Relations between the two nations had faced strain over the issue of Russian oil imports, but recent developments suggest a renewed sense of cooperation. Trump has previously stated that he maintains frequent communication with Prime Minister Modi, highlighting mutual respect and a shared vision for stronger bilateral ties.

In 2024, the United States was India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $190 billion. Both leaders have set an ambitious goal to more than double that figure to $500 billion in the coming years — a target seen as achievable if the upcoming trade deal materializes successfully.

As Trump’s potential visit to India gains attention, global observers see it as a move that could reshape the future of India-US relations, signaling deeper strategic alignment between the two democracies.