US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (January 21) struck an optimistic note on the proposed India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), saying the two countries were “going to have a good deal,” while praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a close friend and respected global leader.

Trump made the remarks in an interview with Moneycontrol after addressing the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Asked about the progress of the India–US trade negotiations, Trump expressed confidence that the talks would deliver a favourable outcome for both sides.

“I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine, and we are going to have a good deal,” Trump said.

The comments come as India and the United States remain locked in tough negotiations over tariffs, with economic friction between the two sides intensifying in recent months.

Trade discussions have also been shaped by geopolitical considerations, adding complexity to the negotiations.

The proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement, formally outlined in February following directives from leaders of both countries, aims to more than double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 from about USD 191 billion currently.