The relationship between India and the United States has been the front page news at least in India for some months. The recent pleasant social media exchanges between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are a welcoming gesture, which shows that the two nations are interested in getting a trade deal signed. President Trump acknowledged in a recent television interview that the secondary tariff on India has created rift between two nations.
In my recent columns on India-United States collaborations in cotton and textile sectors, I stated that the tariff heat will cool down soon as the two countries for the sake of global strength and needs, cannot afford to look aside. News is surfacing now that trade negotiators of both countries are working hard to nail in differences and deliver a win-win deal in 8 to 10 weeks. While trade negotiations are going on, West Texas is displaying a strong collaboration between India and United States.
India’s textile industry needs quality cotton, and West Texas can be a reliable source of imported cotton. Government of India has allowed cotton imports without duty till December 31, 2025. This gesture will be a valuable tool in the tariff toolbox for both countries to negotiate.
On the professional front, Research Triangle Park-based American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) is collaborating with Textile Association of India-South India Unit in organizing a major conference in Coimbatore in November 2025–perfect timing for initiating new level of collaboration between India and the United States.
On another front, there is a strong collaboration between the Indian community in West Texas and India. West Texas occupies a key place in the cotton trade, as it is the largest contiguous region of cotton production in the world. The Hindu Temple of Lubbock will be installing a stone idol of Lord Muruga, a Hindu deity, embodiment of strength and valor on September 27, 2025. The idol has been beautifully carved in Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. This idol has been imported from India by fulfilling the necessary legal requirements.
The Indian community of West Texas which is doing its timely role in spotlighting the cultural connections, as a way of boosting trade and exchanges. Highlighting positive relations is timely and will enable the flow of optimistic vibes. The cultural collaborative gesture will strengthen good will among the public in India, enabling hope and optimism on renewed relationship between India and United States.
On September 17, the idols arrived on time from India highlighting how the customs and government agencies of India and the United States were cooperative and helped to get the divine idol from India. Amidst the anxiety about relationships between two countries, these recent dealings display that there is true and trusted relationship between both nations.
I was optimistic that a trade deal would happen soon, which is the case. With the arrival of sculptured idols without any hitch shows that channels are open between the two countries. It is fortuitous that the West Texas Indian community is doing its bit to strengthen cooperation between India and the United States, which is highlighted by the timely arrival of the idols from India.
The diplomacy between nations hinges on personal connections between the leaders, greater awareness, and cultural and educational collaborations. This week’s historic second state visit to the United Kingdom by President Donald Trump is a testimony to positive diplomacy. A win-win trade deal is a necessity to boost strong relationship between two major democracies.
By: Professor Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University, USA
