New Delhi, Sept 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on India, saying he “fully reciprocated” the sentiments and valued Trump’s positive assessment of the bilateral partnership. Modi noted that India and the United States share a “forward-looking Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership,” which has expanded in defense, trade, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
The comments came even as strains over tariffs and energy trade remain in focus. Trump, speaking to ANI on Friday, described India-U.S. ties as “a very special relationship” and added that his friendship with Modi endures despite differences. “I always will. I’ll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister,” Trump said. “I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
Asked about his post on Truth Social where he warned of “losing India and Russia to China,” Trump dismissed the suggestion. “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. We put a very big tariff on India – 50 per cent, a very high tariff,” he said. “I get along very well with (PM) Modi, as you know. He was here a couple of months ago; in fact, we went to the Rose Garden and had a press conference.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs also weighed in, reiterating the strength of the partnership. “This relationship between the United States and India is very important for us. Both our countries share a comprehensive global strategic partnership, which is anchored in our shared interests, democratic values and robust people-to-people ties,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during a weekly briefing.
“This partnership has weathered several transitions and challenges,” Jaiswal added. “We remain focused on the substantive agenda that our two countries have committed to, and we hope that the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests.”
Modi’s remarks, made against the backdrop of Trump’s candid observations, signal an effort to steady the tone of the conversation while underscoring India’s view of the U.S. as a central partner across multiple sectors.
