Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm round of applause at the NDA parliamentary meeting on Tuesday after the announcement of a landmark trade agreement between India and the United States.

The development followed a phone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, after which the American leader announced that Washington would reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods from 25 per cent to 18 per cent under the new trade deal.

Addressing the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has successfully concluded major trade agreements with the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and now the United States. He described the achievement as extraordinary, stating that India’s global stature and recognition have significantly grown, reflecting the trust placed in the country by leading economies. Rijiju added that these agreements would provide a strong boost to India’s economic growth.

Prime Minister Modi termed the trade agreement a major positive step for Indian exporters and thanked President Trump for the decision. He said enhanced cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies and economies would open up vast opportunities and deliver benefits to people in both nations.

The Prime Minister also praised President Trump’s leadership, describing it as crucial for global peace, stability and prosperity, and reiterated India’s support for initiatives aimed at maintaining international peace.

President Trump, in turn, said the United States would immediately lower its reciprocal tariff rate on Indian goods to 18 per cent as a gesture of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi. He expressed confidence that the agreement would further strengthen bilateral ties, noting that both leaders share a proven record of delivering concrete results.