US President Donald Trump said that trade negotiations with India will continue despite strained relations after he imposed 50 percent tariffs on New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, AFP reported.

"I am pleased to announce that India and the United States are continuing negotiations to remove trade barriers between our two nations," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Republican added that he is "confident that there will be no difficulties in achieving a successful outcome" for both countries.

The president also said he would be speaking with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the "coming weeks," who said he was "looking forward" to the conversation.

In a post on X, Modi emphasized that the two countries are "close friends and natural partners." He said he was "confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking unlimited potential."

"Our teams are working to conclude these discussions as soon as possible," the prime minister added.

Trump appears irritated by New Delhi's position as he seeks recognition for what he considers a diplomatic achievement worthy of a Nobel Prize – his mediation for peace between Pakistan and India after the most serious conflict in decades between the two nuclear powers in May.

India, which categorically rejects any mediation on the Kashmir issue, has since taken a distanced position toward Trump. | BGNES