After weeks of sharp rhetoric and tensions over tariffs and Russia, US President Donald Trump has finally softened his stance towards India. He praised his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called India a “special partner.” Modi immediately reciprocated, marking the first positive exchange between the two leaders in months. But with tariffs still in place and unresolved issues piling up, the question remains: Can Trump and Modi truly be friends again, or is this just a temporary truce?
Trump Praises Modi, But Adds a Criticism
Trump said, “I will always be friends with Modi. He’s great while India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. I don’t think we have lost India.” However, he also added, “I just don’t like what Modi is doing at this particular moment,” pointing at India’s Russian oil purchases.
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Modi’s Positive Response
Modi quickly responded on social media. He said he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates President Trump’s sentiments.” He stressed that India and the US share a “positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.” This marks the first public comment by Modi on Trump in recent weeks.
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.@realDonaldTrump @POTUS https://t.co/4hLo9wBpeF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2025
Tense Past and the June 17 Call
This thaw comes after the tense June 17 phone call. Modi rejected Trump’s claims about mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire, while Trump insisted on his role. Trump even offered to host Modi in the US, but India refused, wary of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s presence at the White House at the same time. Modi did invite Trump to India for the QUAD summit, but clarity on that visit remains missing.
The Next Meeting: ASEAN or QUAD?
Trump is expected at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26. Modi will also be present, raising the possibility of a long-awaited bilateral meeting. However, Trump has said he will not attend the G20 summit in Johannesburg, leaving ASEAN as the most likely venue for their next face-to-face.
Trade Tariffs and Sticking Points
The US has not revoked the 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Washington still wants access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors, something Modi has ruled out. Trump continues to maintain his ceasefire claims and his ties with Pakistan remain a concern for India.
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Putin’s Upcoming Visit and India’s Leverage
The most critical factor ahead is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to India in December. If Trump fails to ease tensions and move forward with a trade deal, Modi’s stronger engagement with Putin and Xi Jinping could send a sharp message. India has shown it can balance multiple partners. Trump now has limited time to repair ties or risk pushing India closer to Russia.
