Amid growing strains in India-U.S. relations over tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday responded to President Donald Trump’s comment that the two leaders would “always be friends,” stating that he “fully reciprocates his sentiments.”
Modi emphasised that India and the United States continue to share a “very positive” and forward-looking global strategic partnership.
“Deeply value and wholeheartedly reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and his encouraging assessment of our ties. India and the United States maintain a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
‘Very Special’ Relationship
Trump, speaking a day earlier, had described the bilateral relationship as “very special” and stressed that his personal friendship with Modi would endure. Yet, he simultaneously voiced dissatisfaction with what Modi was “doing” at present — a clear reference to India’s decision to keep importing oil from Russia.
“I will always remain friends with Prime Minister Modi. He is a great leader. I will always be friends, but I do not agree with what he is doing right now. Still, India and the United States enjoy a very special relationship. There is no cause for concern. At times, we simply have moments like this,” Trump remarked.
The President also sought to highlight that trade negotiations with India were “progressing well,” even as tensions simmered.
Relations between Washington and New Delhi have grown tense in recent weeks after the Trump administration imposed additional tariffs on India over continued Russian oil purchases.
U.S. duties on Indian exports have now risen beyond 50% — the steepest tariff level Trump has enforced under his latest schedule, matched only by Brazil. India strongly condemned the move, branding it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi, who participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China, was seen engaging warmly with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both of whom are themselves at odds with Washington.
Images and videos from the summit showed the three leaders exchanging handshakes, embraces, and laughter. Modi also shared photographs alongside Xi and Putin, symbolising their shared camaraderie in the backdrop of U.S. pressure and heavy tariffs.
‘Lost India To China’
Only days later, Trump created ripples by asserting that the United States had “lost India to China.” He soon walked back the comment, clarifying that he did not truly believe so.
“I don’t think we have lost India. My disappointment stems from the fact that India has been buying such large quantities of oil from Russia. I made my displeasure known. We have imposed a very steep tariff on India — 50%, a very high tariff. Nevertheless, I get along very well with Prime Minister Modi. As you know, he was here only a couple of months ago, and we even held a press conference together in the Rose Garden,” Trump told reporters.
(With inputs from IBNS)
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