Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump publicly reaffirmed their nations’ “very positive” strategic partnership on Saturday, seeking to downplay recent tensions. The reassurances come amid a strain caused by the Washington’s imposition of tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports, a move accusing New Delhi of indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine through its purchase of Russian oil.
President Trump directly addressed his previous remarks about “losing India” to China, telling reporters, “I will always be friends with Modi… India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about.” This comment followed PM Modi’s recent visit to China for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting, his first in seven years, which had signaled a potential thaw between the Asian giants.
Prime Minister Modi swiftly responded on social media, stating he “deeply” appreciated and fully reciprocated President Trump’s sentiments. He characterized the India-US relationship as a “very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership.” Both leaders, known as right-wing populists, have shared a strong bond since Trump’s first term.
The public display of unity also follows apparent irritation from Trump after India cold-shouldered his claims of brokering Nobel Prize-worthy diplomacy between Pakistan and India. New Delhi, which adamantly rejects any third-party mediation on Kashmir, has distanced itself from such statements, adding another layer of complexity to the multifaceted US-India relationship.
