In a notable shift in tone, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong commendation for India, describing it as an “amazing country” and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend.” These remarks highlight India’s crucial role as a strategic partner for the United States within the dynamic Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi shared these positive sentiments via social media, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
Trump’s praise came shortly after a recent phone call with Prime Minister Modi, where the leaders reportedly discussed accelerating bilateral economic cooperation. This conversation followed intensive discussions between Indian and U.S. negotiators concerning a potential trade agreement. The prospect of such an agreement has generated optimism, with hopes that India might see relief from the substantial tariffs, some reaching 50%, previously imposed by the Trump administration on Indian goods. The U.S. had previously increased tariffs on various Indian products in August, including an additional 25% levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.
Prime Minister Modi characterized the call as “cordial and constructive,” stating that progress in the bilateral relationship and regional/international issues were reviewed. He affirmed that India and the U.S. would continue their collaboration for global peace, stability, and prosperity. While Modi’s statement did not explicitly mention trade, the discussions were widely viewed as part of a broader strategy to bolster economic connections. The recent engagement marks an effort to mend relations that had previously been strained by U.S. tariff hikes and critical official statements.