Saturday, March 29, 2025
India a Great Nation; Trump Calls Modi a Dear Friend, Says U.S. Will Continue Trade Talks
Washington, September 10, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump has taken a surprising U-turn on his recent criticism of India, calling the country “a great nation” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a very good friend.” Trump announced that his administration will continue negotiations with India to remove trade barriers and expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that discussions are underway regarding trade barriers between India and the United States. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend Prime Minister Modi in the coming weeks. I am confident that these talks between our two great nations will lead to a successful outcome.”
Just days earlier, Trump had described Modi as “a great Prime Minister” and assured that their friendship remained strong. In response, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Trump’s remarks, saying he deeply valued the positive sentiments and reaffirmed India’s commitment to a “positive and forward-looking comprehensive global strategic partnership” with the United States.
Trump’s latest comments are significant given his sharp attacks on India in recent months. He repeatedly accused Washington of losing to both India and Russia in competition with China, and even labeled the U.S.-India relationship as “one-sided.” Trump also claimed that India had proposed zero tariffs but suggested that the offer came too late.
Currently, India-U.S. relations are passing through one of their most strained phases in two decades. Tensions escalated after the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods and voiced repeated objections to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil. However, the latest exchange of statements indicates that both countries are now making efforts to resolve differences and inject new momentum into their strategic and trade ties.
