Trump Makes U-Turn: Calls PM Modi ‘A Great Friend’ After Harsh China Remark
New Delhi, Sept 6: A day after sparking controversy with his remark that the US had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China,” former US President Donald Trump softened his stance, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi “a great friend” and reaffirming the “special” bond between India and the United States.
Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump praised PM Modi but also voiced concerns over New Delhi’s energy ties with Moscow.
“I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great prime minister. India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about — we just have moments on occasion,” Trump said.
His statement came just days after Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen together at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, an image that triggered Trump’s sharp Truth Social post:
“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
At the White House, Trump expressed frustration over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil despite the Ukraine war.
“I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India — 50 per cent, very high tariff. Still, I get along very well with Modi. He was here just a couple of months ago,” he said.
Trump’s trade team echoed his concerns.
Peter Navarro, Senior Counselor for Trade, said India’s Russian oil imports were indirectly fueling the Ukraine conflict.
Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, added that Washington hoped for “positive diplomatic developments” soon.
Despite these differences, Trump insisted that overall trade talks with India were progressing well, describing the relationship as resilient, though occasionally tested.
Key Highlights
Trump softens tone on India: After controversial “lost to China” remark, he calls PM Modi “a great prime minister.”
Concern over Russian oil imports: Trump expressed disappointment over India buying “so much oil from Russia.”
High tariffs imposed: Trump mentioned a 50% tariff on Indian goods but insisted his bond with Modi remains strong.
SCO backdrop: His earlier criticism came after visuals of Modi, Putin, and Xi Jinping together at the SCO Summit in Tianjin.
US trade team’s concerns: Senior officials like Peter Navarro and Kevin Hassett criticized India’s oil imports, linking them to the Ukraine war.
PM Modi Responds to Trump’s ‘Always Friends’ Comment: Says India Fully Reciprocates
In response to Donald Trump’s statement that he is “always friends,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Saturday that he “fully reciprocates” and “deeply appreciates” the US President’s thoughts and “positive assessment” of their relationship.
In his first public reference to his relationship with Trump since more tariffs on India went into effect, Prime Minister Modi stated in a post on X that India and the US have a very constructive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic 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.@realDonaldTrump @POTUS https://t.co/4hLo9wBpeF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2025
US President Donald Trump praised Modi as a “great prime minister” and declared on Friday that he will always be friends with him, despite the continuing trade issues with India.
Trump remarked, “I’ll always be friends with Modi,” while speaking to reporters at the White House. He is an outstanding prime minister. He’s fantastic. However, I don’t like what he’s doing at the moment. However, the relationship between the United States and India is unique. There is no need for concern. We simply occasionally experience these moments.
India-US Relations Strain Over Tariffs and Trump’s China Remark
Relations between India and the United States have recently faced tension after the US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports. In August, former President Donald Trump first levied a 25% tariff, followed by an additional 25% duty, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil.
India strongly criticized the move, calling it “unjustified” and accusing the US of unfairly targeting Indian trade with Russia.
On Friday, Trump stirred further controversy by posting on Truth Social that the US appears to have lost India to “darkest China.” His remarks followed global attention on the cordial interactions between PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
“Looks like we have lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Trump wrote.
India, however, chose not to respond publicly to Trump’s comments, signaling a cautious diplomatic approach while maintaining its independent foreign policy stance amid growing ties with China and Russia.
Q1. What did Donald Trump say about PM Modi recently?
Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a great friend and a great prime minister” while reaffirming that India and the US share a special relationship.
Q2. Why was Trump criticized for his earlier comments?
A day earlier, Trump had posted on Truth Social that the US had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China”, sparking controversy.
Q3. What is the reason behind Trump’s frustration with India?
Trump expressed disappointment over India’s decision to purchase large quantities of Russian oil, arguing that it indirectly supports Russia during the Ukraine war.
Q4. Has Trump imposed tariffs on India?
Yes. Trump mentioned a 50% tariff on Indian goods, highlighting trade disagreements, though he insisted his bond with Modi remains strong.
Q5. What role did the SCO Summit play in Trump’s remarks?
His criticism came after visuals of PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin.
Q6. What do US officials say about India’s Russian oil imports?
Peter Navarro claimed Indian purchases help fund Russia’s war machine.
Kevin Hassett expressed hope that diplomatic talks would resolve the issue soon.
Q7. Are India-US relations at risk?
Despite tensions, Trump clarified that the bilateral relationship is “special” and that both nations continue to engage in positive trade discussions.
Q8. How important is India for US foreign policy?
India remains a crucial strategic partner for the US in the Indo-Pacific region, making cooperation vital despite occasional disagreements.
Q9. Did Trump mention anything about trade talks with India?
Yes. Trump said trade talks are going well overall and expressed optimism about India-US economic cooperation, though he acknowledged occasional disagreements over tariffs and trade practices.
Q10. How did Trump describe his personal relationship with PM Modi?
Trump emphasized a strong personal bond, saying he has always been friends with Modi and respects him as a leader, even if he disagrees with some current policy decisions.
Q11. What triggered Trump’s “lost to China” comment?
The remark followed the SCO summit in Tianjin, where Modi was seen with Putin and Xi, signaling closer India-Russia-China interactions on the global stage.
Q12. Are there implications for India-US energy cooperation?
Trump expressed concern that India’s purchases of Russian oil might affect US-India energy alignment, especially amid global tensions over Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.
Q13. How did Trump’s trade advisors react to India’s oil imports?
Peter Navarro criticized India’s purchases, suggesting it funds Russia’s war effort.
Kevin Hassett said the issue is under diplomatic review and expects constructive dialogue to continue.
Q14. Will this affect US-India strategic partnerships?
Experts believe that while trade and energy disagreements exist, the broader India-US strategic partnership remains strong, especially in defense, technology, and Indo-Pacific security.
Q15. How have Indians and media reacted to Trump’s U-turn?
The U-turn has been widely discussed, with many noting the contrast between his social media criticism and Oval Office praise, highlighting the complex dynamics in India-US relations.
Q16. Are there any upcoming India-US meetings to resolve these issues?
Though no specific meetings were announced, trade and diplomatic teams from both countries are expected to continue discussions to address energy, tariffs, and other bilateral concerns.
Q17. Is Trump currently in a position to influence US foreign policy?
As a former President, Trump does not have direct executive power but continues to influence public opinion and US political discourse regarding foreign relations, especially through media and social platforms.
Q18. How does this U-turn affect India’s global image?
India continues to maintain a balanced foreign policy, engaging with multiple global powers. Trump’s mixed comments highlight international attention on India’s strategic and energy decisions.
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