After weeks of tensions over trade disputes and Russian oil imports, India and the US appear to be taking the first steps toward mending their strained ties. On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reciprocated President Donald Trump’s remarks, in which the US leader said he would always “be friends with Modi” and assured there was “nothing to worry” about the special relationship between the two nations.
Leaders Reaffirm Personal Bond
The exchange of warm words comes as both countries seek to reset the tone of their strategic partnership. PM Modi echoed Trump’s statement on X (formerly Twitter), 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, responding to questions from reporters, dismissed concerns that Washington was losing New Delhi’s favor to Beijing. “I get along with Modi, as you know. He was here a couple of months ago, we went to Rose Garden and did a press conference,” the President said.
Focus Shifts to Trade Deal
With both leaders reaffirming their friendship, officials on both sides are expected to resume efforts toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underlined that Modi attaches “a lot of importance” to ties with the United States.
Diplomatic observers in New Delhi believe the recent tensions may now ease, with the possibility of the two leaders holding another direct conversation to provide fresh direction to negotiators.
Delhi’s View: No Tilt Toward China
Sources in Raisina Hill clarified that India’s engagement with China was limited to normalization of ties, not a strategic shift. At the same time, India continues to maintain deep cooperation with Russia. New Delhi has been waiting for Washington to soften its stance, confident that India-US relations remain vital for global stability.
Optimism From Recent Security Talks
Optimism about improving ties was already visible when a senior Indian national security planner visited Washington last month and met top US intelligence and enforcement officials. The message from the American side, according to officials, was that disagreements over trade were merely a “hiccup” and the broader India-US strategic partnership remained intact.
With Modi and Trump publicly reaffirming their bond, the stage is now set for the two countries to push forward with a renewed focus on cooperation and global leadership.
