Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded appreciatively to the comment by United States President Donald Trump that the pair would “always be friends,” stating that he “fully reciprocates” and “deeply appreciates” the sentiment. Modi added that India and the U. S. share a “very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” reaffirming Modi affirms personal friendship despite tariff tensions.
The exchange comes amid sharp friction over U. S. tariffs, with Trump having imposed punitive duties totalling 50 per cent on Indian exports—an escalation originating in July and formalised by 27 August—sparked by India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. While Trump softened his tone by emphasising the special relationship and his personal regard for Modi, he also voiced displeasure with India’s current energy policy.
Modi’s public reciprocity comes against a backdrop of stalled trade negotiations. While some members of the Trump administration—such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer—have advocated for a deal easing U. S. duties in return for shifts in India’s energy sourcing, Trump has rejected those terms outright.
India has responded by shunning retaliation and instead deploying domestic economic measures. The government rolled out targeted GST cuts on consumer staples like shampoo and sev, aiming to boost rural demand and soften the impact of the U. S. tariffs on its markets.
Analysts warn that the tariff-driven standoff risks eroding the strategic foundation of the bilateral relationship. Trump’s approach has been characterised as transactional and nationalist, testing the limits of India’s long-standing strategic autonomy. This dynamic has led observers to caution that, in an increasingly exclusionary global environment, India may increasingly look toward multipolar alliances—including deeper engagements with China and Russia—for economic and diplomatic resilience.
Diplomats underscore that despite the discord, preserving high-level dialogue remains essential. A fracturing relationship could undermine cooperative efforts in the Indo-Pacific and disrupt regional stability, with implications for shared initiatives such as the Quad.
Canada Acknowledges Khalistani Terror Funding Within Borders 