Trump Reaffirms Ties with India, Calls Modi a “Very Close” Friend

US President Donald Trump on Thursday reaffirmed strong ties with India, saying he is “very close” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to reporters after a bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his state visit, Trump referred to Europe’s purchase of Russian oil and cited India as an example while recalling his earlier decision to impose steep tariffs.

Trump also mentioned his recent phone call to Modi on the eve of his 75th birthday, saying, “I spoke to him the other day to wish him a Happy Birthday. We have a very good relationship, and he put out a beautiful statement too.”

The President added that China was paying “very large tariffs” to the US and suggested he was willing to take further steps on the Ukraine conflict only if nations he supported stopped buying oil from Russia. He reiterated that a fall in global oil prices would leave Moscow with “no choice” but to withdraw from the war.

The latest remarks come just two days after Trump praised Modi in a Truth Social post, calling him a “tremendous leader” and thanking him for support on ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Trade Talks Back on Track

The renewed warmth between the two leaders coincides with the resumption of India-US trade negotiations. New Delhi has described the ongoing discussions as “positive and forward-looking.”

Thanking Trump for his wishes, PM Modi said India remains committed to “taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.”

The bilateral relationship, which faced strain after Trump raised tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, appears to be stabilizing with both sides showing intent to push trade talks forward.