Donald Trump News / India and PM Modi are very close to me, we have a good friendship- Trump

Donald Trump News: US President Donald Trump is currently on a historic state visit to Britain, scheduled from September 17 to 19, 2025. Speaking to reporters amid a grand ceremony welcoming King Charles III at Windsor Castle, Trump praised his personal relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, "I am very close to India and Modi. We have a very deep friendship." This statement comes at a time when tensions between the two countries have been at their peak due to the recent 50 percent tariff imposed by the US on India, particularly on India's oil imports from Russia.

Trump's remarks are being seen as a positive sign after the thaw in India-US relations. While hosting Modi at the White House in February 2025, the two leaders had touted their "great friendship." However, in August, Trump imposed a "punitive" 25 percent additional tariff on India's oil purchases from Russia, bringing the total to 50 percent. Trump described this as a tool to pressure Moscow to end the Russia-Ukraine war. But Trump's statement during his visit to Britain not only underscores his personal relationship with Modi but also demonstrates his desire to ease trade tensions.

Warning to European Countries: Strictness on Russian Oil Purchases

Trump, speaking to reporters in Britain, issued a stern warning to European countries against purchasing oil from Russia. He said, "I've learned that European countries are buying oil from Russia. As you know, I'm very close to India, and so is its Prime Minister. I recently spoke with him and wished him a happy birthday. Our relationship is excellent. He also made a wonderful statement. But I've imposed sanctions on India." Trump further added that China is currently imposing heavy tariffs on the United States, but he is prepared to take further steps—provided the people he's fighting for don't buy oil from Russia. He cited falling oil prices, saying that if prices fall further, Russia will readily compromise.

This statement appears to be part of Trump's broader strategy to pressure not only India but also European Union member states. In August 2025, Trump stated that India was profiting by buying cheap oil from Russia and selling it on the open market, which was indirectly funding the Ukraine war. However, India rejected this, stating that energy security is a matter of national interest and that the US move was "inappropriate." According to experts, India has saved billions of dollars by increasing oil imports from Russia since 2022, which is now at risk due to tariffs.

This statement during Trump's visit to the UK is significant because it refers to a recent phone call with Modi. Trump said he thanked Modi for his support in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. This call took place in early September, when Modi was in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump then posted on social media that India was buying oil and weapons from Russia, while the US was buying very little. However, the private conversation now appears to have softened the mood.

Possibility of Tariff Removal After November 30: A Ray of Hope

There are now signs of easing in the trade tensions between India and the US. India's Chief Economic Advisor, V. Anantha Nageswaran, said on Thursday that punitive tariffs imposed on certain imports will be withdrawn after November 30, 2025. If this happens, relations between the two countries could become cordial again. Anantha Nageswaran clarified that this move would come as a positive outcome of bilateral trade talks, where India has indicated its intention to consider opening the market for US agricultural and dairy products.

A senior Trump administration official said that India has proposed zero tariffs on US goods, although this proposal is late. Sergio Gor, Trump's ambassador-designate to India in September 2025, said at a Senate hearing that the two sides are "not far apart" on tariffs and a solution could be reached in the next few weeks. If the tariffs are lifted, India's export sectors such as textiles, jewelry, footwear, and chemicals, which were suffering billions of dollars in losses due to the 50 percent tariff, will benefit.

Experts believe that the personal chemistry between Trump and Modi has handled the crisis. International relations expert Dr. Shubhankar Rai said, "This statement during Trump's visit to Britain is strategic. It is an attempt to reassure India while warning Europe. If the tariffs are lifted, the Quad Summit (proposed in India in November 2025) will see stronger cooperation on security and trade." However, India has clarified that it will continue to import oil from Russia but will prioritize relations with the United States.