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New Delhi, September 6, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday responded to recent comments made by US President Donald Trump, underlining India’s commitment to the India–US strategic partnership despite ongoing trade disputes.
The response, delivered through a post on social media platform X, came after Trump softened his earlier aggressive remarks, calling Modi a “great prime minister” and affirming that India and the United States would “always remain friends.”
Though brief, Narendra Modi’s statement carried significant weight. It reflected New Delhi’s intent to keep relations cordial, even as tariff disputes and shifting global equations continue to create friction.
Modi’s Statement: Diplomacy in a Few Words
In his tweet, Modi wrote:
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments. Narendra Modi highlighted that India and the United States enjoy a strong, forward-looking relationship, framed as a Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership that continues to expand across defense, trade, and technology.
The choice of words reflects a balance: appreciation for the American president’s comments, and reassurance that the strategic ties between New Delhi and Washington remain intact.
Diplomats noted the significance of the phrase “forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership” — a term often used in official documents — as a deliberate reminder that India views the relationship as multifaceted, long-term, and not easily derailed by temporary disputes.
Trump’s Mixed Messaging
President Trump’s remarks leading up to Modi’s response were anything but consistent.
In early September, Trump accused India of drifting toward “deepest, darkest China,” pointing to New Delhi’s energy dealings with Russia and its independent stance in global forums.
Soon after, he adopted a friendlier tone, describing Modi as a “great prime minister” and emphasizing that ties with India were strong.
By the end of the week, he insisted that “India and the US will always be friends,” dialing down his earlier hostility.
This abrupt shift is in line with Trump’s communication style—often oscillating between confrontation and conciliation. For New Delhi, the challenge lay in responding without escalating tensions, while also not appearing submissive.
Tariff War at the Core
At the center of the current diplomatic strain is trade.
The US imposed 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods earlier this year.
Another 25% duty followed, linked to India’s decision to continue purchasing oil from Russia, despite Western sanctions.
The combined 50% tariff has put pressure on Indian exporters, particularly in sectors such as textiles, steel, and pharmaceuticals.
India has criticized the move as “unwarranted” and “unilateral.” Officials have stressed that energy security cannot be compromised, especially when Russian crude offers cost advantages amid global volatility.
The tariff row has not only affected economic exchanges but has also cast a shadow on the political narrative of “natural allies” that has defined India–US ties for over a decade.
Why Modi’s Words Matter
Experts point out that Narendra Modi’s low-key yet firm response holds deeper meaning, highlighting his ability to send strong diplomatic signals without dramatic rhetoric.
- Diplomatic Poise
Instead of matching Trump’s fluctuating rhetoric, Modi kept the reply calm and dignified, ensuring India appeared as the stable partner in the equation. - Public Messaging
The statement reassures Indian citizens and businesses that the government is keeping ties with the US on track, despite disagreements. - Global Perception
By emphasizing “partnership,” India projects itself as a responsible global power that does not let trade spats derail broader cooperation. - Strategic Autonomy
Modi’s tone makes it clear that India values the US relationship but will not abandon independent foreign policy choices, such as energy cooperation with Russia.
India’s Multipolar Strategy
At the heart of Modi’s foreign policy is India’s effort to balance ties with Washington, Moscow, and Beijing—showing that strategic autonomy remains a central pillar of his global approach.
Balancing Moscow and Washington
India continues to maintain deep defense and energy ties with Russia, even as it builds stronger strategic and technological links with the US. This balancing act is part of New Delhi’s doctrine of “strategic autonomy” — avoiding being boxed into any single bloc.
SCO and BRICS Appearances
Recent images of Modi standing hand-in-hand with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit fueled debates about India’s global positioning.
While critics in Washington interpreted it as a tilt away from the West, Indian officials insisted it reflects a pragmatic policy of engaging all major powers in a multipolar world.
Quad and Indo-Pacific Role
At the same time, India remains an active participant in the Quad grouping with the US, Japan, and Australia, focusing on regional security, infrastructure, and supply chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific.
This dual approach reflects New Delhi’s attempt to maximize strategic space while reducing dependence on any single partner.
Domestic Implications of Modi’s Response
Beyond diplomacy, Modi’s remarks have domestic resonance.
- Political Communication: His statement reassures citizens that India’s interests are secure despite external pressures.
- Economic Confidence: Businesses see the words as a sign that negotiations will eventually ease the tariff burden.
National Image: Modi’s handling reinforces his image as a leader who can navigate global complexities without compromising India’s dignity.
Historical Context of India–US Relations
This latest exchange between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump is part of the broader, decades-long story of India–US relations, marked by cooperation, differences, and constant evolution .
- Cold War Years: India leaned closer to the Soviet Union while the US supported Pakistan.
- 1990s Shift: Economic liberalization and strategic realignments improved relations.
- 2005 Civil Nuclear Deal: A landmark moment cementing trust.
- Modi–Trump Era: Characterized by warmth in rhetoric but recurring trade disputes.
Despite ups and downs, both countries have increasingly recognized each other as crucial partners in technology, defense, and geopolitics.
Global Reactions
The diplomatic exchange has attracted wide attention.
- Markets: Investors watched closely, though no immediate major impact was recorded.
- Media: International outlets highlighted Modi’s calm tone as a contrast to Trump’s erratic messaging.
- Think Tanks: Analysts warned that prolonged tariff wars could push India closer to alternative alliances.
Expert Opinions
Several foreign policy experts weighed in:
- “Modi has mastered the art of saying a lot with very little,” said a Delhi-based analyst, noting the subtle yet firm reassurance in the PM’s tweet.
- A former US diplomat observed: “Washington should not underestimate the depth of India’s strategic autonomy. Modi’s response shows patience, but patience has limits.”
- Economists highlighted the risks of prolonged tariff barriers, warning they could disrupt long-term trade partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The next steps in the India–US equation will likely revolve around:
- Trade Negotiations: Whether tariffs can be reduced or exemptions carved out.
- Energy Policy: How India balances its Russian imports with American expectations.
- Security Cooperation: Quad initiatives and Indo-Pacific strategies will test both countries’ commitment.
- Technology Partnerships: Collaboration in AI, space, and semiconductors remains a bright spot despite tensions.
FAQs
Q1: What exactly did Narendra Modi say?
He wrote on X: “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments. Narendra Modi underlined that India and the United States maintain a strong and forward-looking bond, defined as a Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership that aims to grow across trade, defense, and technology.
Q2: Why did the US impose tariffs on India?
The Trump administration linked tariffs to trade imbalances and India’s energy imports from Russia, resulting in duties as high as 50%.
Q3: How does this affect India’s economy?
Sectors like textiles, steel, and pharma are under pressure, but India is diversifying markets and negotiating relief.
Q4: Is Is India strengthening its ties with Russia and China?
ndia continues to engage Moscow and Beijing but maintains strong ties with the US and other Western partners. It is pursuing a policy of balance.
Q5: What is the future of India–US ties?
While short-term friction exists, both sides recognize the importance of cooperation in security, trade, and technology. Long-term partnership is expected to endure.