After comments yesterday that suggested a deterioration in relations between Washington and New Delhi, U.S. President Donald Trump returned to praising Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a great prime minister” and emphasizing the special relationship between India and the United States. Modi responded on Saturday, describing relations between New Delhi and Washington as “very positive.”
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Trump told reporters:
“I will always be a friend to Modi. He is a great prime minister, and I will always be his friend. But I just don’t like what he is doing at this very moment. Still, India and the United States share a special relationship. There is no need for concern.”
He added:
“It is not believed that the United States lost India to China. I don’t think we lost it. I was very disappointed because India will buy a lot of oil, as you know, from Russia. And I let them know that.”
These remarks followed earlier comments on Friday in which Trump said the United States may have “lost” both India and Russia to China, which he described as “the darkest,” following a meeting of the two leaders with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He expressed frustration with New Delhi and Moscow while Beijing promotes a new global order.
When asked about Trump’s social media post, India’s Ministry of External Affairs had no comment, and China’s Foreign Ministry had not responded at the time of reporting. Kremlin representatives were also unavailable for comment.
Xi hosted more than 20 non-Western leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in the Chinese coastal city of Tianjin, including Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin and Modi were seen holding hands as they walked toward Xi, standing side by side with him.
Modi Responds
Modi posted early Saturday on X (formerly Twitter):
“I greatly appreciate and reciprocate President Trump’s feelings and his positive assessment of our relations.”
He added that India and the United States share “a comprehensive, global strategic partnership that is extremely positive… looking forward.”
Trump also expressed frustration over his inability to convince Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace agreement after more than three years since Russian forces invaded Ukraine. He told reporters Thursday evening at the White House that he plans to speak with Putin soon.
This exchange of statements comes amid tension after Washington imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of contributing to Russia’s ongoing deadly attacks in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil. Nevertheless, Trump and Modi — both right-wing populists — have maintained a strong personal rapport since Trump’s first presidential term.
Agencies
