New York/Washington: US President Donald Trump reiterated his close friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and underlined that India and the United States share a “special relationship.” His remarks came amid tensions over tariffs and India’s rising oil imports from Russia.
Trump said at the Oval Office, “I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great prime minister. India and the US have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
Trump Criticizes India’s Oil Purchases From Russia
Trump expressed “deep disappointment” over India’s decision to buy large volumes of Russian oil. He noted that 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,” Trump added.
His statement followed a Truth Social post where he claimed the US had “lost India and Russia to China.” The post included an old image of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
SCO Summit Raises Concerns
Trump’s comments came days after Modi, Putin, and Xi demonstrated camaraderie at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. He suggested that deeper India-Russia-China ties could weaken America’s strategic influence in Asia.
Trade Talks “Going Great,” Says Trump
When asked about ongoing trade negotiations, Trump said talks with India and other countries were “going great.” However, he expressed frustration with the European Union, accusing it of unfair treatment toward major US tech companies.
US Advisers Slam India’s Russia Ties
Senior US officials reinforced Trump’s stance.
- Peter Navarro, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing, wrote on X: “India buys Russian oil purely for profit. Revenues feed Russia’s war machine. Ukrainians and Russians die. US taxpayers shell out more.”
- Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, said Trump’s team was “disappointed” by India’s role in funding Russia’s Ukraine war but added that diplomacy could provide a solution.