External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Saturday underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi values India’s partnership with the United States, affirming the strong personal rapport between Modi and US President Donald Trump.
His remarks come shortly after Trump publicly described Modi as a “friend” and a “great prime minister,” signaling efforts from both sides to stabilize ties strained by recent trade frictions.
Jaishankar on Modi-Trump Equation
Speaking to reporters, Jaishankar said:
“PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. Where President Trump is concerned, he has always had a very good personal equation with him. We remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can’t say more than that.”
The statement was quoted by news agency ANI and is being interpreted as a signal that back-channel diplomatic efforts are ongoing.
Trade Tensions Cast a Shadow
India-US ties had hit turbulence in recent weeks after Washington imposed a cumulative 50% tariff on Indian imports. Of this, 25% was a baseline tariff, while the additional duties were justified by the US as a response to India’s purchase of Russian crude amid the Ukraine war.
New Delhi criticized the move as “unjustified” and “unreasonable,” terming it a setback to what has been one of the most robust bilateral partnerships in recent years.
PM Modi Responds to Trump’s Remarks
Prime Minister Modi took to social media on Saturday to acknowledge Trump’s statement, writing:
“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.”
Trump Clarifies ‘Losing India’ Comment
President Trump, while addressing a press conference, was asked about his earlier remarks that the US was “losing India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” Trump clarified that despite concerns over Modi’s engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, India-US ties remain strong.
“I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great prime minister. I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment, but India and the US have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about,” Trump said.
Diplomatic Outlook
Observers believe that both countries are working quietly to defuse tensions and resume negotiations on a new trade deal. The reaffirmation of personal ties between Modi and Trump is expected to set the tone for further engagement at the official level in the coming weeks.
