Washington, February 4 – A landmark trade deal between the United States and India has been hailed as a major diplomatic victory for New Delhi. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a briefing with reporters, shed light on the agreement while highlighting the strong personal rapport between President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Leavitt emphasized that President Trump particularly cherishes his relationship with PM Modi and India. ‘I know that President Trump especially enjoys his relationship with the PM and with India,’ she stated, underscoring the warmth in their interactions.
The deal comes amid announcements that India will shift its oil purchases away from Russia, opting instead for supplies from Venezuela. While India has yet to comment officially, Russia has denied receiving any such notification from New Delhi. Leavitt asserted that PM Modi has committed to halting Russian oil imports and sourcing from the US or Venezuela, a move she said would directly benefit American workers and industries.
‘The president is very committed to his tariff policy because he cares deeply about our manufacturing sector,’ Leavitt explained. She noted Trump’s direct conversations with Modi, leading to this significant pact. Beyond oil, the agreement reportedly includes a pledge from India for $500 billion in investments into the US across transportation, energy, and agricultural products.
This development aligns with Trump’s economic agenda, which prioritizes tariffs to revive American manufacturing and attract foreign investment. Recent data shows a surge in construction jobs, evidence of the policy’s success in generating employment. Leavitt praised Trump’s role in drawing global companies to invest domestically, boosting the economy.
As US-India ties strengthen, this trade deal signals a new chapter in bilateral relations, with mutual benefits poised to reshape energy markets and investment flows. The personal chemistry between the two leaders appears to be a key driver behind these advancements.