January and February 2026 will stand as one of the most exhilarating months in recent Indian economic history. Overnight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump delivered a game-changing trade breakthrough: the United States slashed tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from about 50%, effective immediately. This decisive move, sealed after a warm phone call between the two global leaders, has unleashed a wave of optimism across India and the US's economies, markets and national spirit.

The personal chemistry between Modi and Trump was the catalyst that made it happen, and the deep people-to-people, democracy-to-democracy relationship between these two great democracies was the foundation. President Trump spoke glowingly of PM Modi as "one of my greatest friends" and a "powerful and respected leader", crediting their friendship for the outcome. PM Modi, in turn, expressed heartfelt gratitude to President........

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