The future of India-US relations remains in focus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed that New Delhi and Washington continue to share “very positive” ties. His statement came shortly after US President Donald Trump softened his earlier remarks about “losing India” to China, emphasizing instead his personal friendship with Modi.
Modi Responds with Optimism
Prime Minister Modi used social media to directly respond to Trump’s latest comments. “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” he wrote on X. He further noted that India and the United States shared a “very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership.”
By publicly acknowledging Trump’s message, Modi sought to highlight the resilience of bilateral ties despite recent strains. His remarks also aimed to reassure observers concerned about the direction of India-US cooperation.
Read: Trump Claims India and Russia Have Aligned With China
Trump Downplays Earlier Remarks
Earlier this week, President Trump stirred controversy when he suggested the US had “lost India” to China after Modi attended a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China. However, speaking to reporters later, Trump downplayed the comment.
“India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about,” Trump said. He also added, “I will always be friends with Modi.”
This shift in tone reflected Trump’s attempt to balance his criticism of New Delhi’s ties with Moscow and Beijing with his personal bond with the Indian leader.
Trade Disputes Fuel Strains
Tensions between the two countries have grown in recent months over trade. Washington imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian imports, citing concerns about unfair trade practices. At the same time, the US accused New Delhi of indirectly supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil at discounted rates.
These developments created uncertainty about the trajectory of economic ties. For India, maintaining access to energy supplies remains vital, while the US has pushed its allies to reduce dependence on Russia.
Longstanding Personal Bond
Despite policy disputes, Trump and Modi have maintained a strong personal connection since Trump’s first term in office. Their relationship has been marked by warm public gestures, including joint rallies and state visits.
This personal bond has often served as a stabilizing factor in times of political disagreement. Modi’s emphasis on a “forward-looking” partnership underscores his strategy of separating personal ties from policy disputes to keep relations steady.
China’s Role in Regional Dynamics
Modi’s recent trip to China added a new layer of complexity. The visit, his first in seven years, signaled a potential thaw between the two Asian powers despite longstanding border tensions. For Washington, closer ties between India and China raise concerns about the balance of power in Asia.
Trump has expressed frustration at what he sees as India leaning toward Beijing and Moscow. His remarks about “losing India” reflected these worries, even though he later sought to reassure audiences of the enduring US-India bond.
Kashmir and Diplomatic Frictions
Another sensitive issue has been Kashmir. Trump previously claimed credit for “Nobel Prize-worthy diplomacy” in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan during one of their worst conflicts in decades. However, India has consistently rejected any third-party mediation on Kashmir, maintaining that it is a bilateral issue with Pakistan.
New Delhi’s firm stance led to cooling responses toward Trump’s offers, contributing to occasional diplomatic frictions. This background helps explain Trump’s irritation at India’s independent foreign policy choices, especially regarding Russia and China.
Shared Interests Remain Strong
Despite these challenges, both nations recognize the importance of their partnership. Defense cooperation, technology transfers, and shared concerns about regional security continue to bind them together.
India views the US as a crucial partner in its modernization efforts, while Washington sees New Delhi as central to its Indo-Pacific strategy. These overlapping interests provide a strong foundation for future collaboration, even if disputes occasionally disrupt the relationship.
The Road Ahead
As India navigates its ties with major powers, it must balance strategic autonomy with its partnerships. Modi’s reassurance to the US reflects New Delhi’s desire to maintain equilibrium. Trump’s softer tone also shows Washington’s recognition that alienating India could weaken broader strategic goals in Asia.
The keyword in this evolving story is trust. Both sides are working to preserve trust even as disagreements over trade, energy, and diplomacy test the relationship. The resilience of India-US relations will depend on how leaders manage these differences while building on areas of cooperation.
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