Amidst the strained relations between India and the United States over tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded on Saturday to US President Donald Trump's "always be friends" remark. In a post on X, Modi stated that he "fully reciprocates his sentiments," and that India and the US have a "very positive" global strategic partnership.
"Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership," PM Modi wrote.
On Friday, Trump had described the India-US relationship as "very special" and affirmed that he and PM Modi would "always be friends." However, he also expressed his displeasure over what he felt PM Modi was "doing" at the moment, which was a reference to India's continued oil imports from Russia.
In his comments to the media, Trump said, "I'll always be friends with PM Modi. He's a great Prime Minister. I'll always be friends, but I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion." The US President also mentioned that trade talks with India were "going well."
Ties between India and the US have been strained in recent weeks. This is due to the Trump administration imposing secondary tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil, and reportedly also over New Delhi denying his request for a peacemaking role during its recent conflict with Pakistan. The US tariffs on Indian exports have now reached over 50pc, which is the highest tariff Trump has imposed on any country on his fresh list, with the exception of Brazil. India had previously condemned the move, calling it "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable."
Also Read: US has ‘lost’ India, Russia to ‘darkest China’: Donald Trump
Weeks after the tariffs were imposed, PM Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. At the summit, he was seen sharing a friendly rapport with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also have strained relations with the US. Videos and pictures from the event showed the three leaders shaking hands, hugging, and smiling. PM Modi also shared photos of himself with the two leaders, which was seen as a display of their unity in the face of Trump’s high tariffs on India.
'Lost India to China' Claim
Days after the SCO summit, Trump claimed that the US had "lost India to China," although he later clarified that he "does not believe so."
In his comments to the media, Trump said, "I don't think we have (lost India). I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India- 50 pc, a very high tariff. I get along very well with PM Modi, as you know. He was here a couple of months ago, in fact, we went to the Rose Garden and had a press conference."
Also Read: Trump clarifies friendship, denies 'lost India to China' remark
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