6th September 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday responded to US President Donald Trump’s statement that he and PM Modi would “always be friends,” emphasizing that he “fully reciprocates his sentiments.” The remark comes amid recent tensions in India-US relations over tariffs and trade issues.

PM Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), expressed appreciation for President Trump’s positive assessment of bilateral ties. He wrote, “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.”

Earlier, on Friday, President Trump described India-US relations as a “very special relationship” and reiterated his personal friendship with PM Modi. However, Trump also expressed concern over India’s ongoing import of Russian oil, stating, “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.”

President Trump added that trade talks between the two countries were progressing well.

The relationship between India and the United States has recently faced challenges following the US administration’s decision to impose secondary tariffs on India due to its continued purchases of Russian oil. These tariffs now exceed 50% on Indian exports, marking the highest tariff imposed by the Trump administration, aside from Brazil.

India strongly condemned the US action, labeling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” Despite these developments, both sides continue to stress the long-term strategic partnership, focusing on cooperation in defense, technology, and global geopolitics.

With global challenges demanding cooperation, both leaders appear committed to maintaining dialogue, aiming to resolve differences through continued engagement and mutual understanding.