In the backdrop of continuous tensions between Washington and New Delhi on tariffs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday replied to US President Donald Trump's recent statement that the two leaders would "always be friends." Modi stated that he "fully reciprocates" the sentiment and reiterated that India and the US enjoy a good global strategic partnership.
"Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership," PM Modi wrote on X.
Trump yesterday had termed the US-India relationship as "very special" while emphasizing his personal rapport with Modi. Meanwhile, he expressed concern that India was still importing crude from Russia.
"I'll always be friends with PM Modi. He's a great Prime Minister. I'll always be friends, but I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion," Trump said.
The US President also added that bilateral trade negotiations were "going well."
Ties between the two countries have faced strain in recent weeks after Washington imposed secondary tariffs on India over its purchases of Russian oil. The issue was compounded by reports of friction regarding New Delhi’s rejection of Trump’s mediation offer during its conflict with Pakistan. As per the new tariff list, India's Indian exports are now subject to duties well over 50 percent, bringing India at par with the highest tariff targets with Brazil. New Delhi has called the action "unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.
"I don't think we have (lost India). I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India- 50 per cent, a very high tariff. I get along very well with PM Modi, as you know. He was here a couple of months ago, in fact, we went to the Rose Garden and had a press conference," he told the media.
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