'Clear Win For Both Sides': White House Press Secy Karoline Leavitt Hails India-US Trade Deal

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 08:30 IST

White House Press Secretary hailed the India-US trade pact as a “clear win” for both nations, citing economic, strategic and geopolitical gains.

Donald Trump with PM Narendra Modi (File photo/AP)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday highlighted what she described as the strengths of the newly announced India-US trade pact, posting on X that the agreement was a “clear win" for both sides.

“This trade agreement is a clear win for the US and for India, economically, strategically, and geopolitically," Leavitt wrote, praising the understanding unveiled earlier this week following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.

Her social media post came a day after remarks she made to reporters outside the White House, in which she outlined what she said were India’s commitments under the deal.

According to Leavitt, New Delhi had agreed to end purchases of Russian oil and instead boost imports of American energy, with the possibility of also sourcing crude from Venezuela.

“As you all saw yesterday, the President struck another great trade deal with India. He spoke with Prime Minister Modi directly, they share a very good relationship," she had said.

“India committed to not only no longer purchasing Russian oil but also buying oil from the United States, and perhaps also from Venezuela, which we know will now have a direct benefit on the United States and the American people," she said.

Leavitt also asserted that India had called for deeper economic cooperation, including large-scale investments in the US.

“In addition to that, Prime Minister Modi committed to USD 500 billion of investments into the United States, including for transportation, for energy, and for agricultural products as well. This is another great trade deal," the Press Secretary added.

Trump had earlier announced on Truth Social that Washington and New Delhi had “agreed to a trade deal" following a phone call between the two leaders.

He said the US would immediately reduce its reciprocal tariff on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent, describing the move as being made “out of friendship and respect" for PM Modi.

In his post, Trump called Prime Minister Modi one of his closest friends and said the two discussed trade and efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

“It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning… We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela," Trump wrote.

He also claimed that India would reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the US and dramatically increase purchases of American goods.

PM Modi responded on X by welcoming the announcement, writing that it was “Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today" and expressing delight that “Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%."

Later, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that sensitive parts of India’s economy had been safeguarded in the negotiations.

He told reporters that agriculture and dairy had been protected and that there was “widespread enthusiasm" across the country.

India and the United States have been engaged in negotiations aimed at expanding commercial ties, with energy emerging as a central focus since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Relations between the two countries have broadened over the past decade across defence, technology and economic sectors, and both are partners in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue grouping in the Indo-Pacific.

News world 'Clear Win For Both Sides': White House Press Secy Karoline Leavitt Hails India-US Trade Deal

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