By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
US President Donald Trump on Thursday reaffirmed his strong ties with India, saying he is “very close” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as he highlighted issues of oil trade and tariffs during his state visit to the United Kingdom.
Speaking to reporters after a bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump recalled his recent call to Modi on the eve of the Indian leader’s birthday. “I spoke to him the other day to wish him a Happy Birthday. We have a very good relationship and he put out a beautiful statement too,” Trump said.
Remarks on oil and sanctions
While reiterating his closeness with India, Trump cited the example of European nations’ continued purchase of Russian oil. “And when I found out that the European nations were buying oil from Russia — and as you know, I’m very close to India, I’m very close to the Prime Minister of India — but I sanctioned them,” Trump told reporters.
He linked oil prices directly to the ongoing Ukraine conflict, adding, “Very simply, if the price of oil comes down, Putin is going to drop out. He’s going to have no choice. He’s going to drop out of that war.”
Reference to tariffs on India
Trump also referred to his steep tariffs on India as part of his broader trade approach. He noted that China was paying “a very large tariff” to the United States and stressed that his interventions were necessary to counter countries indirectly aiding Russia through oil purchases.
India has been among the countries impacted by Trump’s tariff hikes, with duties on Indian imports raised to 50%. Despite this, Trump has repeatedly underlined his “friendship” with Modi.
Birthday call and warm exchange
Earlier this week, Trump posted on his Truth Social account about his phone call with Modi. “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job,” he wrote, thanking Modi for his support on ending the Ukraine war.
In response, Modi thanked Trump for his wishes and reaffirmed India’s commitment to “taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.”
Trade talks back on track
The reaffirmation of ties comes as India and the US resumed trade talks this month after a period of strained relations. The Indian government described the discussions as “positive and forward-looking, covering various aspects of the trade deal.”
The two countries had faced setbacks in their trade relations since Trump imposed steep tariffs, but recent developments suggest a renewed push towards cooperation.
Trump’s latest remarks reflect the balancing act in his foreign policy — emphasising close personal ties with Modi and strategic partnership with India, while simultaneously defending his tough tariff measures. With trade talks resuming, both nations appear poised to rebuild momentum in bilateral ties despite the challenges of tariffs and global conflicts.
