Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday responded to US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks calling him a “great Prime Minister” and a “friend,” even as bilateral ties face strain over Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods. Modi said he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments, underscoring that India and the US continue to share a forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.
Trump Praises Modi But Flags Oil Trade With Russia
Earlier at the Oval Office, Trump reiterated his personal regard for Modi, saying, “I’ll always be friends with him… but I don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment.” He voiced disappointment over India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, stressing that tariffs were imposed partly as a penalty for this trade. Trump also referenced his recent Truth Social post claiming that the US had “lost India and Russia to China.”
India’s Response to Tariffs and Bilateral Outlook
India has called the new tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable,” particularly given the additional penalties linked to Russian oil imports. Despite trade tensions, Modi’s message and Trump’s reassurances highlight the resilience of the relationship. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Modi’s strong personal equation with Trump and reiterating that India attaches enormous importance to its strategic partnership with the US.
