'Too much at stake': USIBC lauds PM Modi, Donald Trump's positive remarks; calls for handling 'impasse' amid tariff row

The US–India Business Council (USIBC) has called on both governments to resolve differences through “private, mutually respectful discussion,” following tensions over Washington’s 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. The organisation warned that too much is at stake to abandon the progress made over decades of bilateral cooperation. In a statement, USIBC welcomed recent positive remarks by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressing the need to safeguard the strong US–India partnership. “The US–India Business Council (USIBC) applauds the recent positive remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, and underscores the importance of safeguarding the strong US-India partnership at a time of global uncertainty,” it said in a post on X. “For 50 years, USIBC has worked to promote closer economic ties between our two nations, helping build the collaborative environment vital for innovation, job creation, and resilient supply chains,” the council added.“Now is the time to make the hard choices needed to conclude an ambitious bilateral trade deal that can restore investor confidence and unleash prosperity for both our nations. It’s time to double down on the US-India partnership—for our economies, our people, and our shared values,” the council said, adding that “USIBC, representing hundreds of leading American and Indian companies, remains fully committed to helping.” The remarks come after Trump appeared to soften his tone last week, following his earlier description of India as a “dead economy.” Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump called PM Modi a “great Prime Minister” and said he would “always be friends” with him. “There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,” Trump added, but reiterated concerns over India’s oil purchases from Russia and the 50 per cent tariff imposed on Indian goods. Reciprocating the sentiment, PM Modi said he “deeply appreciate[s] and fully reciprocate[s] President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” highlighting the forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also praised the bilateral relationship, noting Modi’s long-standing personal rapport with Trump and emphasising that engagement between the two countries continues despite trade tensions.