India–US trade deal: Vaishnaw sees Donald Trump’s optimism as ‘encouraging’; says India ‘deeply engaged’

India remains deeply engaged on global trade issues, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Thursday signalling confidence after US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about trade deal with New Delhi.Vaishnaw, who is in Davos for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, said Trump’s comment is very encouraging.

“Given India’s position and deep engagement on trade matters, it is very encouraging,” Vaishnaw told PTI when asked about the US president’s remarks.Trump, speaking at Davos a day earlier, said the United States would have a “good” trade deal with India and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a ‘close friend’.“I have great respect for your Prime Minister. He’s a fantastic man and a friend of mine. We are going to have a good deal,” Trump said.Vaishnaw is leading a high-level Indian delegation to the WEF meeting, which includes Union ministers, chief ministers and senior state ministers. The Indian presence at Davos also features more than 100 CEOs, reflecting India’s push to engage global investors and policymakers amid shifting trade dynamics.Trump’s comments had come at a time when trade negotiations and tariff policies have taken centre stage globally, with several economies reassessing bilateral and multilateral trade arrangements.