'PM Modi expresses gratitude and returns the favor, in response to Trump's comments about their friendship'

In a series of statements made to reporters on Friday, US President Donald Trump affirmed his personal friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed his belief that India and the United States have a special relationship.

Trump's remarks came as a response to PM Modi's appreciation for Trump's positive assessment of their relationship, which was expressed on Twitter. The Indian Prime Minister emphasized that the India-US relationship remains a comprehensive, global strategic partnership that is very positive and forward-looking, despite recent pressures from US tariffs and geopolitical challenges.

The US President had imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, a move that has been met with concern in India. Trump defended his decision, stating, "We put a very big tariff on India, a 50 per cent tariff, a very high tariff." However, he also indicated that he sees the tariff as a way to negate his own tariffs on Indian goods, saying, "GST cut to negate Trump's tariff; may hit Rs 2 Lakh crore, Experts warn of high revenue strain."

Trump's feelings about India's oil purchases from Russia were also made clear, with him expressing his disappointment, stating, "I am very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia." However, he also acknowledged the special nature of the India-US relationship, saying, "India and the United States have a special relationship. There's nothing to worry about."

The occasional moments of strain in India-US relations were also acknowledged by Trump, who said, "We just have moments on occasion." Despite this, he reiterated his belief in the strength of the relationship, stating, "I get along very well with (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi; he's great."

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also weighed in on the relationship, stating, "PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. 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."

Trump's comments were seen as an attempt to soften his previous take on the US losing India and Russia to China. This comes after China's exit from Pakistan's $60 billion economic corridor project, a move that has been closely watched by both the US and India.

In a recent Truth Social post, Trump downplayed tensions with India, stating, "I don't think we have lost India." This statement was in response to concerns about India's participation in the China-Pakistan economic corridor project, a move that Trump had previously expressed his disapproval of, stating, "I let them know that."

PM Modi's response to Trump's praise of their relationship was posted on Twitter on X. The Indian Prime Minister's statement reiterated the positive and forward-looking nature of the India-US relationship, despite the challenges posed by tariffs and geopolitical pressures. The future of this relationship remains a topic of interest and anticipation for both nations.