'PM Values India-US partnership, Maintains Very Good Equation With Trump,' Jaishankar Remarks
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday underlined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to give “enormous importance” to India’s partnership with the United States. He further emphasised the strong personal understanding between Modi and former US President Donald Trump , a relationship that has often shaped bilateral ties during their leadership interactions.
“PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. 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,” Jaishankar told news agency ANI when asked about Trump’s latest remarks on India.
“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 ,” Modi posted.
This came as a reassurance at a time when trade disagreements and geopolitical choices have sparked discussions about the future direction of the partnership.
“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 in the Oval Office.
This softer position was seen as a step back from his earlier claim that the United States had “lost India to the deepest, darkest China,” a statement that had raised concerns about the tone of the relationship.
The acknowledgement of challenges, paired with reassurance, reflected the ongoing balancing act in India-US relations. Trump’s comments also showed that personal rapport between leaders remains an important factor in diplomatic engagements.
While tariffs represent a flashpoint, both countries have continued engagement at multiple levels to ensure that cooperation in defence, technology, and strategic affairs is not disrupted.
The Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership continues to serve as a framework that keeps India-US cooperation forward-looking. With global challenges in trade, security, and energy, both nations recognise the importance of maintaining strong ties, regardless of differences.
“PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. 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,” Jaishankar told news agency ANI when asked about Trump’s latest remarks on India.
Modi Responds to Trump’s Remarks on India-US Partnership
Soon after Jaishankar’s statement, Prime Minister Modi himself responded to Trump’s positive words on the relationship between the two nations. Despite the recent frictions around tariffs and energy trade, Modi took to X to reaffirm his confidence in the strength of bilateral cooperation.“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 ,” Modi posted.
This came as a reassurance at a time when trade disagreements and geopolitical choices have sparked discussions about the future direction of the partnership.
Trump Softens His Stand After Strong Words on India
Trump’s latest remarks drew attention as they reflected both criticism and reassurance. Speaking in Washington, he described his personal bond with Modi as one that will remain intact despite policy disagreements.“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 in the Oval Office.
This softer position was seen as a step back from his earlier claim that the United States had “lost India to the deepest, darkest China,” a statement that had raised concerns about the tone of the relationship.
Acknowledging Differences While Reaffirming Friendship
Even while highlighting policy disagreements, Trump maintained that the partnership between India and the US remained special. “But India and the United States have a special relationship. There's nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,” the US President said.The acknowledgement of challenges, paired with reassurance, reflected the ongoing balancing act in India-US relations. Trump’s comments also showed that personal rapport between leaders remains an important factor in diplomatic engagements.
Tariffs and Oil Purchases at the Core of Tensions
The backdrop to these exchanges is the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods by Washington. Trump cited India’s continued purchase of Russian oil as one of the primary reasons for this move. The measure has been met with criticism in India, where policymakers argue that energy security remains a critical priority.While tariffs represent a flashpoint, both countries have continued engagement at multiple levels to ensure that cooperation in defence, technology, and strategic affairs is not disrupted.
Looking Ahead: Resilience in Bilateral Ties
India and the United States have navigated many moments of tension in the past, from trade disputes to policy divergences. Yet, both sides consistently reaffirm the importance of their strategic partnership. Jaishankar’s remarks, Modi’s reassurance, and Trump’s acknowledgement of friendship all point to a relationship that may experience friction but is unlikely to see a long-term breakdown.The Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership continues to serve as a framework that keeps India-US cooperation forward-looking. With global challenges in trade, security, and energy, both nations recognise the importance of maintaining strong ties, regardless of differences.
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