India, Sept. 10 -- Indian and US teams are working to conclude discussions on a trade deal that will unlock the potential of the bilateral partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday in response to President Donald Trump's remarks that there would be no difficulty in trade negotiations.

This was the second positive exchange between the two leaders on social media in four days amid significant strains in bilateral relations over Trump's decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over India's purchases of Russian energy. The two leaders - who were last in touch on phone in June - also said they looked forward to speaking to each other.

Modi described India and the US as "close friends and natural partners" in a soci...