Despite tensions over Russian oil imports and tariffs, Modi calls India-US ties ‘very positive and forward-looking’
Key Highlights
- PM Modi responds warmly to Trump’s “always be friends” remark
- Trump expresses concern over India’s Russian oil imports
- Despite tariff tensions, both leaders emphasize strong US-India ties
- Modi highlights the India-US “Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership”
- Trade talks are ongoing amid record-high US tariffs on Indian exports
Modi-Trump Friendship Endures Despite Geopolitical Friction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he “fully reciprocates” the sentiments of former US President Donald Trump, who recently said he would “always be friends” with Modi.
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
Tensions Over Russian Oil and Tariffs
The warm exchange comes at a time when India-US relations are under stress due to:
- India’s continued oil imports from Russia, which have drawn criticism from Washington
- The Trump administration imposing over 50% tariffs on Indian exports – the highest among all new sanctions
Trump commented:
“I’ll always be friends with PM Modi… But I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment,” referring to India’s energy ties with Russia.
Trump: “India and the US Have a Very Special Relationship”
Despite the disagreements, Trump emphasized:
- Ongoing trade negotiations
- A “very special” diplomatic relationship between the two nations
- His personal rapport with PM Modi, referencing their recent White House meeting
Modi at SCO Summit: Aligns with China, Russia Amid US Friction
While attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, PM Modi was seen:
- Shaking hands and embracing Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Sharing photos and displaying unity with leaders also at odds with the US
This visual diplomacy was seen by analysts as a strategic move amid heightened US tariff pressure.
Trump’s Mixed Signals: “Lost India to China” – Then Backtracks
Trump initially claimed the US had “lost India to China” due to shifting alliances. However, he later clarified:
“I don’t think we’ve lost India. I’ve been disappointed about the oil issue, but I get along very well with PM Modi.”
Context: US Tariffs on India
- The Trump administration has listed India alongside Brazil for the highest new tariff hikes
- India condemned the move, calling it:
- “Unfair”
- “Unjustified”
- “Unreasonable”
Despite these strains, diplomatic channels remain open, and both leaders have expressed hope for continued cooperation.
While geopolitical tensions remain, both PM Modi and Donald Trump have reaffirmed their personal friendship and the strategic importance of India-US relations. As trade negotiations continue and global alliances shift, the diplomatic dialogue between the two nations remains crucial.
