Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed US President Donald Trump’s latest words on their bond. Trump said he would “always be friends” with Modi, softening the blow from his earlier criticism about the US “losing India to China.”
Modi replied soon after, saying he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments. He added that India and the US share a positive and forward-looking strategic partnership. His response gave a fresh signal that India-US relations remain strong despite recent tensions.
The exchange was seen as a positive sign after months of uncertainty. Ties had cooled after Trump put a 50% tariff on Indian imports and expressed frustration over India’s energy trade with Russia. Reports also suggested that Modi did not take several calls from Trump during that period.
Trump’s remarks came after photos from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit showed Modi with China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Trump reacted sharply at first, saying it looked like the US had “lost India and Russia to darkest China.”
Hours later, he struck a different note. He called Modi a “great Prime Minister” and said India and the US still share a “very special” bond, though he admitted he did not like some of India’s recent actions.
Modi, while welcoming Trump’s message, stopped short of calling him a personal friend. Analysts say this indicates that rebuilding trust between the two countries will require more time and discreet negotiations behind the scenes.
India has so far avoided sharp words against the US, even after facing the absurd Trump tariffs and pressure over oil imports. Trade talks are still on hold because of disagreements on agricultural and dairy access. However, the two sides have repeatedly emphasized the need to work together on defense, energy, and technology issues.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underlined this point. He said the Prime Minister places great value on the US partnership and that the relationship is “forward-looking.”
While the Trump-Modi friendship may not solve the bigger problems, it does offer hope for improved negotiations between the two countries. The coming weeks will test whether the diplomacy can turn words into progress.
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