US President Donald Trump on Thursday underlined his warm ties with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing their personal rapport and recent birthday exchanges. Trump noted that athough he is “very close” to PM Modi, he levied steep tariffs on New Delhi because it purchases Russian oil.
"I'm very close to India. I'm very close to the Prime Minister of India. Spoke to him the other day, wished him a happy birthday. We have a very good relationship. He put out a beautiful statement, too...But I said, I sanctioned them," Trump said during a press conference with UK PM Keir Starmer during his visit to the country.
Trump's comments came while he criticised European countries for still buying Russian oil, saying it weakens efforts to isolate Moscow during ongoing conflicts. He reiterated his call for European countries to stop buying Russian oil, claiming that Moscow’s war in Ukraine would end if the price of oil falls.
The US President, over the past few weeks, has been signalling a significant thaw in the bilateral chill between the two countries in wake of his tariff pressure on New Delhi over its purchase of Russian oil.
On Tuesday, Trump extended 75th birthday wishes to PM Modi through a phone call, and expressed gratitude for support on ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
"Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine! President DJT," he wrote on Truth Social.
PM Modi thanked Trump for his phone call and said he, like the US leader, is fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.
In a post on X, he referred to Trump as "my friend" and said that India supports his initiatives for the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
"Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict," he said.
Earlier this month, both Trump and Prime Minister Modi noted the resumption of trade talks and expressed optimism about reaching a deal soon.
Trump has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a whopping 50 per cent, including a 25 per cent additional duty for India's purchase of Russian crude oil. India described the US action as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable".
On Tuesday, for the first time since steep tariffs were imposed, India and the US discussed the next steps in bilateral trade talks, which Washington described as “positive.” The resumption of negotiations reflects both sides’ intent to find common ground and narrow differences amid efforts to improve strained relations.
The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership covers key areas such as defence, trade, energy, and technology. During their February meeting in Washington, the leaders set a goal of more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
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