It appears the United States has realised the big blunder it made by imposing unprecedented tariffs on India and now wants to make necessary amendments to keep the business doors open with the largest democracy
At a time when India-US ties are facing turbulence over trade tariffs and policy disagreements, the top leadership of both countries exchanged warm words that signal continued value in their partnership.
Hours after US President Donald Trump remarked that India and the United States share a “special relationship” and reassured that there was “nothing to worry about,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded with appreciation, affirming that he “fully reciprocated” the sentiments and Trump’s positive assessment of bilateral ties.
This exchange marked Modi’s first direct statement to the US President since Washington announced fresh tariff hikes on Indian exports.
Trump had imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods and followed it up a week later with an additional 25 per cent levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil — steps that sparked one of the most challenging diplomatic phases between New Delhi and Washington in the last two decades.
Despite the strain, Trump struck a conciliatory tone during an interaction in the Oval Office on Friday (early Saturday IST). Responding to a question on whether he was ready to reset relations with India, he underlined personal rapport with the Indian leader while admitting differences.
I’ll always be friends with (Narendra) Modi; he’s a great prime minister. He’s great. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment,” Trump said.
“But India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,” he added with a smile.
Within hours of Trump’s remarks, Prime Minister Modi posted on X: 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.”
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking in Delhi, emphasized that Prime Minister Modi attaches “enormous importance” to India’s partnership with the US.
He also highlighted that Modi has consistently enjoyed a strong personal equation with President Trump, noting: Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump.
But the point is that we remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can’t say more than that. But that’s really what I would say.”
The remarks on both sides illustrate the dual track of tension and reassurance in India-US relations: while disputes over tariffs and foreign policy choices continue to test the partnership, the leadership at the highest level continues to reaffirm the importance of maintaining a forward-looking, comprehensive strategic engagement.
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