India-US Tensions Ease as Trump and Modi Exchange Warm Remarks Amid Tariff Dispute;

New Delhi/Washington, September 7 — A month after U.S. President Donald Trump sharply escalated trade tensions with India over its continued purchase of Russian oil, signs of a diplomatic thaw have emerged. On Friday, Trump appeared to soften his stance, calling India a close ally and reaffirming his personal friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a press briefing at the Oval Office, President Trump stated, “India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,” he said with a smile, adding, “I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister.” This marks a significant shift from the previous day when Trump had expressed his frustration on social media, claiming the U.S. had “lost India to deepest, darkest China” after an image of Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit in Tianjin went viral. Despite the tensions, Prime Minister Modi responded with a measured and diplomatic tone. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday morning, he wrote: “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.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar later echoed Modi’s stance, emphasizing the enduring strength of India-U.S. ties. Speaking to ANI, Jaishankar said, “Prime Minister Modi obviously attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the United States. He has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump. We remain engaged with the U.S., and at this time, I can’t say more than that.” Background: What Sparked the Latest India-US Trade Tensions? The current chill in bilateral relations began on August 6, when President Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods. This was in response to India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia, despite U.S. pressure to cut ties in light of Western sanctions against Moscow. Earlier in April, the U.S. had already imposed a 25% tariff under Trump’s broader global tariff regime. The additional duties now mean a total of 50% tariffs on some Indian exports — a move seen as punitive. Commenting on India’s oil imports from Russia, Trump said, “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia, and I let them know that.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who has been leading trade talks, added fuel to the fire by stating that India would eventually “have to come back to the table and say sorry.” What’s Next for India-US Relations? Despite recent tensions, both sides appear to be aiming for de-escalation. While PM Modi will not attend the upcoming UN General Assembly session later this month, S. Jaishankar will represent India and is expected to engage in key diplomatic conversations — possibly including U.S. representatives. Though trade talks remain stalled, Trump insisted on Friday that negotiations with India and other countries are “going great.” He also took aim at the European Union over disputes with American tech companies. Conclusion As geopolitical alignments continue to evolve — with India maintaining strategic autonomy between the U.S., Russia, and China — the recent exchange between Trump and Modi offers a glimmer of hope. Both leaders seem keen to prevent tensions from derailing what they still describe as a "special relationship." With high-stakes diplomacy in the backdrop, all eyes will now be on Jaishankar’s address at the UN and whether behind-the-scenes negotiations can bring India and the U.S. back to the table.

NEWS