'I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great PM': Donald Trump as he tones down on India over tariff

Trump said he will continue to remain friends with Modi and called him "a great Prime Minister".

The US President, however, mentioned he doesn't like the current action of Modi, who is refusing to wilt under pressure from the White House.

When asked about whether he intends to reset relations with India, Trump said calmly, "I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great Prime Minister.

"I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment but India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion."

In response, Modi took to his X handle and reciprocated Trump's sentiments.

He wrote on X, "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."

Trump softened his stance just hours after he posted a sarcastic remark on Truth Social, where he said the US has lost India and Russia to 'deepest, darkest China'.

He wished all three nations a 'prosperous future'.

Trump posted an image where Modi could be seen with Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping.

In his Truth Social post, Trump said: "Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to the deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together! President Donald J. Trump."

How did the Trump-Modi bonhomie fade away?

In February 2025, Prime Minister Modi visited Trump at the White House. They exchanged strong personal praise, with Modi even echoing Trump’s slogan: “Make India Great Again” (“MIGA”)—signaling the hope for a powerful bilateral partnership.

Initial optimism about a trade deal to boost bilateral commerce faltered. India resisted U.S. demands to open sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy—deep red lines domestically. 

Trump, unable to strike a deal, blamed India’s high tariffs and declared the relationship increasingly imbalanced.

India continued importing discounted Russian oil, which both helped stabilize its economy and displeased the U.S., especially Trump's administration. He saw it as undermining Western sanctions on Moscow.

During the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, Trump publicly claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire. Modi rejected that notion, asserting no external mediator was involved. 

US-India tariff war

The Trump administration, which was earlier viewed as India-friendly, has slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and another 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia which is fighting a war against Ukraine.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, India significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil—now comprising over 30 percent of its total crude imports.

Indian refineries then export refined petroleum products globally which critics, especially in the U.S., argue that indirectly supports Russia’s war effort by funneling money into its economy.

In response, the US proposed tariffs and trade measures targeting India’s exports to discourage this behavior.

India said that, like any major economy, it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

Modi unequivocally said India won't compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and livestock rearers.