In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi emphasized that India and the United States have a “positive and forward-looking global strategic partnership.” This was his first public comment on relations with Trump since Washington imposed new tariffs on Indian imports, which strained the economic ties between the two countries.
Trump’s Comments on India
On Friday, President Trump told reporters at the White House that he will “always be friends with Modi,” calling him a “great prime minister.” However, Trump also criticized India’s current trade choices, especially its energy links with Russia.
“I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great prime minister. He’s great. But I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment. India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about; we just have moments on occasion,” Trump said.
Trump recently imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, including an extra 25% duty due to India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil. This has increased tensions, with India calling the US move “unjustified” and accusing Washington of unfairly targeting it for continuing trade with Moscow.
Geopolitical Context
Trump’s comments came days after PM Modi joined a high-profile Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian Premier Vladimir Putin. This gathering received considerable international attention.
On his Truth Social account, Trump voiced worry over India’s growing ties with China and Russia, said, “Looks like we have lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together.”