Key Points:
- PM Modi reciprocates Trump’s friendship sentiment, calling it a “positive and forward-looking” strategic partnership
- Trump reaffirms friendship with Modi while expressing displeasure over India’s Russian oil purchases
- US has imposed 50% tariffs on India – among the highest for any trading partner
- Modi’s diplomatic response avoids confrontation while signaling commitment to bilateral ties
- Ongoing tensions stem from India’s energy imports from Russia and trade disagreements
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded diplomatically to US President Donald Trump’s recent statement about their friendship, even as trade tensions continue to strain India-US relations. Modi’s measured response on social media platform X demonstrates India’s commitment to maintaining strategic ties despite current disagreements.
PM Modi’s Diplomatic Response
In his post on X, PM Modi wrote: “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.”
The response came hours after Trump’s comments at the White House, where the US President acknowledged both the strength of bilateral ties and his current dissatisfaction with certain Indian policies.
Trump’s Mixed Messaging on India Relations
Trump’s statement reflected the complex nature of current India-US dynamics. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, 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.”
The US President emphasized that there was “nothing to worry about” regarding the bilateral relationship, characterizing current tensions as temporary moments that occasionally arise between allied nations.
However, Trump also expressed specific frustrations: “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I let them know that we put a very big tariff on India, 50% tariff, very high tariff.”
The Tariff Crisis Context
The diplomatic exchange occurs against the backdrop of severe trade tensions that began in August 2025. The Trump administration has imposed sweeping tariffs on Indian exports, starting with a 25% “reciprocal” tariff on August 7, followed by an additional 25% penalty specifically tied to India’s Russian oil imports.
These measures bring the total duty to 50% on Indian goods – among the highest imposed on any trading partner. The tariffs threaten approximately $48.2 billion worth of India’s merchandise exports to the US.
India has strongly criticized these measures as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” maintaining that its energy policy is guided by strategic autonomy.
Recent Escalation and Trump’s “Lost India” Comment
The tensions escalated when Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, suggesting the US had “lost India and Russia to China” after sharing a photograph of PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at recent international meetings.
This comment prompted concerns about the direction of US-India strategic cooperation, particularly given their partnership in initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) aimed at counterbalancing China’s regional influence.
However, Trump later clarified his position, telling reporters: “I don’t think we have” lost India to China, while reiterating his disappointment over oil purchases from Russia.
Strategic Partnership Under Strain
The current crisis represents a significant shift from the optimistic tone set during Modi’s February 2025 visit to Washington, when both leaders launched the “U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st Century” initiative.
During that visit, they had agreed on “Mission 500” to reach $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The relationship had been strengthening over decades, underpinned by shared democratic values and strategic interests.
India’s Diplomatic Balancing Act
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that “PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US” while highlighting shared interests and democratic values.
Modi’s response demonstrates India’s characteristic diplomatic approach: firm yet diplomatic, assertive but not antagonistic. India has refused to yield on core issues such as energy imports from Russia while keeping communication channels open with Washington.
Expert Analysis and Future Outlook
Foreign policy experts view Modi’s response as diplomatically balanced, understanding the relationship’s sensitivity while avoiding confrontation. The response signals India’s willingness to move forward with the partnership despite current disagreements.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has predicted that India will “return to the negotiating table within two months” as the tariff pressure mounts. However, India has shown no signs of backing down from its energy policy, implementing measures like GST reductions to mitigate tariff impacts.
The exchange between the two leaders represents a crucial moment in India-US relations, with both sides expressing commitment to their strategic partnership while navigating significant policy disagreements. Modi’s measured response keeps diplomatic doors open for future engagement while maintaining India’s sovereign position on energy security and trade policies.
