Trump envoy-designate brings framed photo gift for PM Modi as leaders navigate turbulent ties

When US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday, October 11, he carried a framed set of photographs of Modi and former US President Donald Trump — complete with Trump’s bold marker signature and a handwritten message that read: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.”

Gor, a close aide of Trump, said afterward that the former president continues to regard Modi as “a great personal friend.” The gesture reflected the continuing warmth between the two leaders, even as US–India relations have entered a tense phase marked by steep trade tariffs and sharp rhetoric.

Cordial words amid trade chill

The personal rapport between Trump and Modi has remained intact despite the trade standoff. The US recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil. Still, Modi and Trump have kept up communication — through phone calls, social media exchanges, and diplomatic gestures such as Gor’s visit.

Last month, Modi publicly thanked Trump for calling to wish him on his 75th birthday, writing on X, “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India–US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.”

Trump, meanwhile, praised Modi during the same week but added a characteristic qualifier. “We have a great relationship… but I sanctioned them,” he told reporters, referring to the new tariffs on Indian imports.

From Gaza to the UN stage

Modi had also spoken with Trump recently to praise his peace plan for Gaza, which paused Israel’s military operations in the region. The Prime Minister followed up with public posts lauding the initiative.

But just days later, Trump, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, accused India and China of being “primary funders” of Russia’s war in Ukraine — a sharp contrast from his earlier praise.

‘We’ve lost India and Russia to China’

Trump’s irritation deepened after Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin last month. “We’ve lost India and Russia to China,” he said, reacting to the optics of camaraderie between the three leaders.

Putin had called Modi a “dear friend” during the summit, while Xi labelled the US a “bully.” Modi’s trip to China followed Trump’s August decision to raise tariffs on India first to 25%, and then to 50% by the month’s end.

Trade talks resume, but ‘red lines’ remain

Despite the strain, trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington have quietly resumed. Ambassador-designate Gor has said he is “hopeful” about a deal and emphasized the strategic need to keep India close amid tensions with China.

However, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently reaffirmed that the country has “red lines” on opening its farm and dairy markets. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick continues to press India to “stop buying Russian oil” and open up more sectors in exchange for tariff relief.

Uncertain future

There is no confirmed date yet for the next Modi–Trump meeting. Trump has just announced a plan to raise tariffs on China to over 100% and has recently rekindled ties with Brazil’s President Lula da Silva — whose country, like India, faces 50% tariffs.

The framed photograph presented by Gor — from the 2020 “Namaste Trump” and “Howdy Modi” era — thus stood as both a nostalgic reminder and a subtle diplomatic message: despite the volatility, the personal connection between Modi and Trump remains part of the equation in an uncertain trade and geopolitical landscape.