'We Have a Very Good Relationship': Trump Reaffirms Friendship With PM Modi Amid Trade Talks

London: US President Donald Trump has reaffirmed the good ties between Washington and New Delhi, pressing on his personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mentioning their recent exchange of birthday greetings. Speaking at a joint press conference with UK PM Keir Starmer at Chequers, Trump clearly asserted that he is very close to India and the prime minister. He even took the opportunity to wish PM Modi again on his 75th birthday.

When questioned over India-US trade tensions, he said, "I am very close to India, I am very close to the PM of India. I spoke to him the other day. I wished him a happy birthday. We have a very good relationship." His cordial remarks follow PM Narendra Modi's expression of gratitude towards Donald Trump for the birthday wish call ahead of the prime minister's 75th birthday.

Earlier, in a post on social media platform X, PM Modi had pledged to strengthen the India-US partnership, stating, "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."

Trump, in turn, shed light on their phone exchange on his Truth Social account, saying, “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!”

The cordial phone call, where Trump extended 75th birthday wishes to PM Modi, saw both leaders reaffirm their conviction to elevate the India-US comprehensive and global partnership.

The friendly exchanges between PM Modi and Trump were marked by ongoing trade negotiations between the US and India.

Notably, US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met with India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss next steps in bilateral trade talks. Both sides expressed positivity about intensifying efforts to conclude a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement early.

During his address at the joint press conference, Trump also expressed disappointment, hinting towards the European Union's purchase of Russian oil. Citing it as a reason, Trump mentioned imposing a 50% tariff on India, with 25% specifically targeting this oil trade. "China is paying a very large tariff right now to the United States. But I'm willing to do other things, but not when the people that I'm fighting for are buying oil from Russia. If the oil price comes down, very simply, Russia will settle. And the oil price is way down. We got it way down. We're drilling and we produce more oil than anybody else in the world. We're doing a lot...," Trump remarked.

As the trade negotiations between India and the US are underway, the trade analysts expressed hopes that soon the two sides will reach a deal in the coming weeks, following which Trump may slash the tariff rates on India.