Modi Responds to Trump’s Remarks on Russia Oil Tensions: India–US Ties ‘Very Positive and Forward-Looking’
Amid some friction between New Delhi and Washington over India's continued imports of Russian oil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks stating their personal rapport and the strength of the bilateral relationship.
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| File Photo source: PM NaMo |
His comments came a day after President Trump, speaking from the White House, described India–U.S. ties as a “very special relationship,” while also voicing frustration over India's energy dealings with Russia.
“I’ll always be friends with Prime Minister Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister,” Trump said.
“But I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment… India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
Trump added that trade negotiations with India were ongoing and “going well,” despite his administration recently imposing steep secondary tariffs -- a whooping 50% -- on Indian exports. India had condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
The tariff action follows accusations by Trump aide Peter Navarro and others that India is profiting from discounted Russian crude by re-exporting refined products to global markets. This claim has not been directly responded to by Indian officials but they have largely maintain that energy sourcing is a sovereign economic decision.
In a separate remark, Trump addressed his earlier comment suggesting the U.S. had "lost India to China." When asked by reporters on Friday, he walked back the assertion: “I don’t think we have. I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that.”
Trump referenced his recent meeting with Modi in Washington, saying, “He was here a couple of months ago. We went to the Rose Garden and had a press conference. I get along very well with PM Modi.”
The exchange follows Prime Minister Modi’s appearance alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.
Images and footage from the event showing Modi warmly interacting with both leaders circulated widely, fueling political commentary amid the deepening U.S.–India tariff standoff.
Despite the disagreements, both leaders continue to emphasize the strength of the broader strategic partnership, which includes defense, trade, and technology cooperation.
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