Amid intensifying tariff disputes between India and the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted a conciliatory tone toward US President Donald Trump, praising his positive remarks on bilateral relations and signalling scope for a thaw in recent friction.
Modi Praises Trump’s Remarks
In his response, PM Modi expressed gratitude for Trump’s supportive comments, describing India-US ties as both “robust” and “globally significant.”
“We wholeheartedly commend President Trump’s feelings and his positive assessment of our relations, and we fully support them,” Modi said. He emphasised that the Indo-US partnership remains “forward-looking and comprehensive.”
Trump’s Mixed Signals
President Trump, who has alternated between criticism and praise of India in recent weeks, struck a softer note on Friday. At the White House, he described Modi as a “good friend” and a “fantastic Prime Minister,” while still voicing displeasure over trade frictions.
“I will always be Modi’s friend. He is a fantastic Prime Minister, but I don’t like what he’s doing right now. But India and America have a special relationship; there’s no need to worry. Occasionally, such moments arise,” Trump remarked.
Trump also used social media to warn about “losing India and Russia to the deepest, darkest China,” sharing an old photograph featuring Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Geopolitical Undercurrents
Analysts point to the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit as a key moment influencing Trump’s rhetoric. Since the event, he has oscillated between regret over a perceived weakening of US-India ties and issuing indirect warnings.
India, however, has remained largely silent on the tariff issue, continuing oil imports from Russia despite US disapproval — a move that has reportedly heightened Trump’s concerns about potential shifts in strategic alignments.
Trade Row Reflects Wider Strategic Shifts
The ongoing tariff dispute is seen as part of a broader realignment in global geopolitics. While Trump appears driven by his administration’s hardline trade policies, Modi’s approach underscores the importance of preserving long-standing pillars of Indo-US cooperation in defence, technology, and strategic affairs.
Way Forward
Although the trajectory of bilateral trade talks remains uncertain, both leaders appear intent on easing hostilities. Their latest remarks suggest a willingness to focus on common interests in the face of a rapidly changing international order.
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