(Image source from: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
In light of the tense relationship between India and the US regarding tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi replied to US President Donald Trump's comment about being "always friends" by saying he completely shares those feelings. The Prime Minister mentioned that India and the US maintain a "very positive" strategic relationship on a global scale. "I greatly value and wholly share President Trump's views and positive analysis of our relationship. India and the US have a very constructive and forward-thinking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership," PM Modi expressed on X. Trump stated on Friday that the connection between India and the US is a "very special relationship" and assured that he and PM Modi will always be pals. Nonetheless, he showed his dissatisfaction with what PM Modi is currently doing, which relates to India's purchase of oil from Russia. "I will always be friends with PM Modi. He's an excellent Prime Minister. I will continue to be friends, but I do not approve of what he is doing right now. However, India and the US share a very special bond. There's no need to worry. We just have occasional misunderstandings," Trump mentioned. The US President also noted that discussions about trade with India are "progressing well."
India and US relations have become more difficult in recent weeks after the Trump administration put secondary tariffs on India because of its oil purchases from Russia. The tariffs on Indian exports from the US have now exceeded 50 percent, marking the highest tariffs Trump has recently applied, aside from Brazil. India condemned this action, calling it "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable." PM Modi, while at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China, was seen enjoying moments with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, even though their relations with the US are currently fraught. Videos and pictures captured the three leaders embracing, shaking hands, and smiling together. PM Modi also published pictures of himself alongside the two leaders, highlighting their solidarity despite Trump's high tariffs on India. Shortly after, Trump claimed that the US had "lost India to China." However, he later clarified that he does not believe that to be true. "I don't think we have lost India. I'm quite upset that India has been buying so much oil from Russia. I made them aware of this. We imposed a significant tariff of 50 percent on India, which is very high. As you know, I get along very well with PM Modi. He was here just a few months ago; we went to the Rose Garden and held a press conference," he told the press.
