Indicating a potential easing of the frosty phase in bilateral relations between India and the United States, President Donald Trump declared that he was “certain” there would be “no difficulty” for the two nations to reach a “successful conclusion” in their ongoing trade discussions, while also noting his anticipation of an upcoming conversation with his “very good friend,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the weeks ahead.
Prime Minister Modi responded warmly to Trump’s upbeat remarks on the state of trade talks, voicing confidence that the current negotiations would help unlock the vast, untapped possibilities of cooperation between the two countries.
‘Very Good Friend’
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday (September 9), President Trump announced he was “pleased to share that India and the U.S. are continuing their discussions to address existing Trade Barriers between our two great Nations.”
“I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the coming weeks. I feel certain there will be no difficulty in reaching a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries,” Trump asserted.
Modi, replying on X, echoed Trump’s optimism, describing India and the United States as close friends and natural allies, and emphasising that both governments were working to wrap up the trade talks at the earliest possible stage.
He stated, “I am also eagerly looking forward to my conversation with President Trump. Together, we will strive to secure a brighter and more prosperous future for both our peoples.”
This marks the second occasion in recent days that President Trump has praised America’s ties with India while coupling those remarks with personal admiration for Prime Minister Modi, who in turn has responded positively to such gestures.
Thaw In Strained Relations
Trump’s latest words point to a noteworthy softening in bilateral tensions, coming after relations had plunged into arguably their worst period in over two decades, largely due to disputes over tariffs and India’s oil imports from Russia.
The Trump administration had imposed doubled tariffs on Indian products, raising duties to a steep 50%, with an additional 25% levy directly tied to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude.
India strongly condemned Washington’s move, calling it “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Following months of sharp rhetoric directed at New Delhi, President Trump last week struck a more conciliatory tone, stating that India and the U.S. enjoy a “special relationship” and that occasional frictions should not be a cause for alarm.
“I always will. I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister, truly great. I’ll always remain friends, but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment,” Trump remarked from the Oval Office on Friday.
“But India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments from time to time,” he added with a smile.
‘Deep Appreciation’
Prime Minister Modi, responding on Saturday, expressed gratitude for Trump’s words, noting his “deep appreciation” of the U.S. president’s positive reassessment of bilateral relations.
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi declared.
“India and the United States share a highly positive, forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” he added.
Still, Trump also reiterated his disappointment with India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil supplies.
“…I’ve been very disappointed that India continues buying so much oil from Russia, and I made that clear. We imposed a very big tariff on India, 50%, a very high tariff. I get along extremely well with Modi—he’s great. He was here just a couple of months ago,” Trump noted, responding to a question about his earlier post suggesting that the U.S. had lost India and Russia to China.
India, however, has firmly defended its energy choices, insisting that its procurement of Russian oil is dictated by market realities and the national interest.
New Delhi ramped up purchases of Russian crude at discounted prices after Western powers sanctioned Moscow and cut themselves off from Russian supplies following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
(With inputs from IBNS)
