New Delhi, September 6, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded positively after U.S. President Donald Trump softened his earlier stance on India. Trump had recently stirred controversy with comments that America had “lost India to China,” triggering a wave of political debate and unease over bilateral ties.
However, Trump later clarified that he remained a friend of Modi and valued their “special relationship.” Modi, in turn, said he “deeply appreciated and fully reciprocated” the sentiments expressed by Trump, reiterating that India and the United States share “a very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed these views, highlighting the strength of the personal rapport between Modi and Trump. He underlined that despite challenges, the leadership-level understanding between the two countries has ensured continued engagement and stability in ties.
The exchange comes against the backdrop of heightened trade tensions, with Washington imposing tariffs of up to 50% on certain Indian goods in response to New Delhi’s continued oil imports from Russia. These measures had threatened to sour relations, but Trump’s diplomatic U-turn suggests that the personal equation between the two leaders continues to act as a buffer.
Observers note that while the gestures of friendship between Modi and Trump help to ease tensions, the underlying disagreements on trade, energy, and foreign policy remain unresolved. The episode highlights how personal diplomacy often plays a crucial role in navigating international disputes, even when larger economic and geopolitical frictions persist.