Trump Injects A Softer Tone On India, Modi Responds

WASHINGTON, D.C.– On September 6, President Donald Trump appeared to soften his previous remarks about “losing” India to China, affirming a strong relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while simultaneously expressing his disappointment over India’s purchase of Russian oil.

At a White House press conference on September 5, Trump was asked about his previous comment on “losing India to China.” He responded, “I don’t think we have,” adding, “He’s a great Prime Minister. He’s great. I’ll always be friends but I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasions.”

Hours later, Modi reciprocated Trump’s sentiments, posting, “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.”

Despite the positive exchange, Trump reiterated his disapproval of India’s oil imports from Russia. “I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil, as you know, from Russia, and let them know that we put a very big tariff on India, 50 per cent tariff, very hot tariff,” he noted.

These comments followed an earlier post by Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he shared a picture of PM Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, writing, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” (IANS)