US President Donald Trump on Thursday reiterated his shut relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting their robust private rapport and ongoing commerce negotiations between the 2 international locations.
Chatting with reporters following a bilateral assembly with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer throughout his state go to to the UK, President Trump referred to his administration’s stance on European nations buying oil from Russia. In doing so, he cited India for example of a rustic with which he shares robust ties regardless of commerce disagreements up to now.
“I am very near India. I am very near the Prime Minister of India. I spoke to him the opposite day. Wished him a cheerful birthday. We have now an excellent relationship,” Trump mentioned throughout the press briefing.
The US President additionally elaborated on the cellphone name he had with Modi forward of the Indian chief’s birthday. “Simply had an exquisite cellphone name with my good friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wanted him a really Pleased Birthday! He’s doing an incredible job. Narendra: Thanks on your assist on ending the Battle between Russia and Ukraine!” Trump posted on his social media platform, Fact Social.
Referring to Europe’s continued imports of Russian oil, Trump added, “After I came upon that the European nations had been shopping for oil from Russia, and as you recognize, I am very near India, I sanctioned them. However I additionally spoke to Prime Minister Modi, and he put out an exquisite assertion too.”
Trump additionally addressed the continuing warfare in Ukraine, arguing {that a} drop in international oil costs may power Russia to withdraw. “Very merely, if the worth of oil comes down, Putin goes to drop out. He’ll don’t have any alternative. He’ll drop out of that warfare,” he mentioned.
The renewed heat between Washington and New Delhi comes amid the current resumption of commerce talks, beforehand strained after the US imposed steep tariffs, as much as 50%, on Indian items throughout Trump’s earlier time period.
Describing the commerce discussions as “constructive and forward-looking”, the Indian authorities has welcomed the event. In response to Trump’s birthday needs, Prime Minister Modi thanked the US President and emphasised India’s dedication to strengthening the bilateral relationship.
“India is totally dedicated to taking the India-US Complete and World Partnership to new heights,” Modi mentioned.
The rekindled ties mark a notable enchancment in relations, with each leaders signalling a want to maneuver previous prior commerce tensions and collaborate on broader strategic points, together with the continuing battle in Ukraine.