President Donald Trump of the United States has clarified his comments regarding New Delhi’s ties with Beijing and Moscow while reiterating the strength of the India-US partnership. Trump reaffirmed his personal bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi while in Washington, calling the US-India relationship a “very special relationship” and emphasizing that “there is nothing to worry about.”
He emphasized that even while there are sporadic differences, like his dissatisfaction of what Modi is “doing at this particular moment,” the bilateral relationship as a whole is still strong. Trump went on to say that he would “always be friends” with Modi, indicating that the two leaders’ close friendship that has characterized their diplomacy in previous years would continue.
In response to questions about current trade negotiations with nations like India, Trump emphasized “great progress,” but he also criticized the European Union.
The European Commission’s recent decision to punish Google USD 3.5 billion for anti-competitive Adtech tactics infuriated the President, who accused Brussels of unjustly singling out US tech firms.
He referred to the EU’s action as “discriminatory action,” and he promised that his administration would not let such actions to hurt American businesses. This demonstrates Trump’s broader tendency to vigorously defend US economic interests, especially in the area of global technology markets.
Trump raised concerns about India’s energy purchases from Russia, though. Expressing dissatisfaction over New Delhi’s acquisition of cheap Russian oil, he revealed that the US has levied a 50% tax on India, describing it as “very high.”
He countered this criticism by stating that he and Modi are still on good terms, even bringing up their recent appearance together at the White House Rose GardenHis comments provided reassurance on institutional and personal links while also sending a message of strategic disapproval. Notably, Trump made these remarks a few days after he made a contentious claim on Truth Social that the US had “lost Russia and India to deepest, darkest China.”
The President modified his tone while addressing this issue in front of reporters, saying, “I don’t think we have,” and hinting that India’s alignment is still up for debate and isn’t irrevocably lost to Beijing’s orbit.
.Simultaneously, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India placed a strong focus on stability, continuity, and engagement with an eye toward the future. India-US ties are rooted in a “comprehensive global strategic partnership” that is supported by democratic values, common interests, and robust people-to-people interactions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized.
The cooperation has endured “several transitions and challenges,” he said, adding that India is still dedicated to moving forward with the substantive bilateral agenda with Washington on the foundation of “mutual respect and shared interests.” Regarding trade worries in particular, Jaiswal reaffirmed that India is still working with the US to settle disputes and maintain economic ties.
The events underscore the multifaceted and occasionally intricate nature of India-US relations. On the one hand, Trump’s rhetoric veers between his affection for Modi and his discontent with his trade and energy policy decisions. In contrast, India has indicated a consistent institutional dedication to the alliance, regardless of Washington’s political cycles.
These remarks highlight the tenacity of bilateral ties as well as the brittleness of the perceptions that influence them in the context of Russia and China’s shifting geopolitical orientations.
The broader framework of strategic cooperation—supported by common security objectives, economic complementarities, and sustained diplomatic engagement—remains intact, despite tariffs, trade disputes, and energy policy continuing to be issues of contention.
For a more understandable chronology of events, would you like me to additionally make a timeline table that charts Trump’s remarks, tariffs, EU fines, and MEA responses?
