New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to US president Donald Trump’s latest statement regarding their strong personal bond and relations with India.
Modi has said that he “appreciates and fully reciprocates”. This comes hours after Trump did a U-turn on his “lost India to the deepest, darkest China” remark and said he would “always be friends” with Modi.
“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,” PM Modi posted on X.
While addressing the media at the White House on Friday, Trump had said: “I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great Prime Minister.”
“India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about,” he added.
When asked about his Truth Social post about losing India to the deepest, darkest China, the US president said: “I don’t think we have.”
“I’ve been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India – 50%, a very big tariff,” he added.
“I get along very well with (PM) Modi as you know, he was here a couple of months ago, we went to the Rose Garden for a press conference,” Trump said.
Experts believe that Trump’s latest remarks could be an indication that he is finally listening to those who cautioned him against dealing with India in the manner in which he has. Whether this will lead to reduction of tariffs on Indian goods remains to be seen.