India’s Modi hails US ties after Trump’s ‘always be friends’ comments
US-India ties have come under strain over Washington imposing tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that New Delhi and Washington still shared “very positive” ties after US President Donald Trump reaffirmed their personal friendship and downplayed his earlier remarks about “losing India” to China.
The exchange comes amid strains after Washington imposed tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian imports, accusing New Delhi of fuelling Moscow’s deadly attacks on Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil.
But Trump and Modi, both right-wing populists, have shared a strong bond since the US president’s first term.
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi wrote in a social media post, adding that India and the United States shared a “very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership”.
Earlier, Trump told reporters that he “will always be friends with Modi”.
India and the United States have a special relationship
“India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about,” Trump said, downplaying his earlier remarks about “losing India” to China.