New York/Washington: US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressing that India and the United States share a “special relationship” despite tensions over tariffs and India’s oil imports from Russia.
“I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great prime minister,” Trump said at the Oval Office on Friday. “India and the US have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
Disappointment Over Russian Oil
Trump admitted he felt “very disappointed” about India buying large volumes of Russian oil. He said his administration had already imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods. “I get along very well with Modi. He’s great. But I don’t like what India is doing at this moment,” he added.
Trump’s remarks followed his Truth Social post claiming the US had “lost India and Russia to China.” He also shared an old picture of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
SCO Summit and Global Concerns
The post came after Modi, Putin, and Xi displayed bonhomie at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. Trump suggested the US risked losing strategic ground if India deepened its ties with Russia and China.
Trade Talks and Global Tech Disputes
When asked about trade talks, Trump said negotiations with India and other countries were “going great.” However, he voiced frustration with the European Union over disputes involving US tech giants.
US Officials Criticize India’s Russia Ties
Peter Navarro, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, posted on X that India’s oil purchases were funding Russia’s war. “India buys Russian oil purely for profit. Revenues feed Russia’s war machine. Ukrainians and Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more,” Navarro wrote.
Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, echoed the concern. He said Trump’s team was “disappointed” that India continued to fund Russia’s Ukraine war but hoped diplomacy would resolve the issue soon.