US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed the strength of the relationship between the United States and India, following his previous post on the US losing India.
Responding to a question by a journalist in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said, “I’ll always be friends with Modi, he’s a great Prime Minister.”
This affirmation comes despite recent trade tensions, including the imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods, which Trump attributes to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil and military equipment.
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account on September 5, 2025.
This was accompanied by a photo of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, held earlier that week.
Speaking from the White House on August 6, Trump described the India-US relationship as very special, acknowledging occasional differences but emphasising that there is nothing to worry about.
“I get along very well with (Indian PM) Modi, as you know, he was here a couple of months ago, we went to the Rose Garden,” Trump said.
Modi Responds to Trump
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed appreciation for President Trump’s remarks, stating that he deeply appreciated them.
Modi emphasised the positive and forward-looking nature of the India-US Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership, underscoring the enduring strength of bilateral ties despite the current trade disputes.
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“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,” Modi said in a response to Trump’s remarks.
Trade Disputes and Tariff Concerns
The recent escalation in trade tensions began in July 2025, when the US President imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s purchase of Russian military equipment and oil imports.
This was followed by an additional 25% tariff in August, bringing the total to 50%. Indian officials have criticised these measures as unjustified, asserting that their energy imports are necessary for affordability amid global supply issues.
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India’s growing imports of Russian crude oil have become a significant point of contention. Before the Ukraine war, Russia supplied less than 2% of India’s oil.
However, following Western sanctions on Russia, India increased its purchases of discounted Russian crude, with Russia now accounting for 35–40% of India’s oil imports.
Despite these trade disputes, both leaders have expressed a commitment to maintaining a strong and cooperative relationship, highlighting the strategic importance of the India-US partnership.
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