Trump Praises India, PM Modi; Questions on Russia Oil Trade

Amid the prospect of talks on an India-US trade deal, President Donald Trump has once again reiterated his strong relationship with PM Modi and India. Trump stated that he is very close to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I had to impose sanctions on India because of their oil purchases from Russia." Trump made this statement in London during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

He was asked if the time had come to put pressure on Vladimir Putin by imposing sanctions on countries buying oil from Russia. The US President responded, "I am very close to India and Prime Minister Modi. I spoke with him recently and wished him a happy birthday. He also responded beautifully. We have a very good relationship, but I imposed sanctions on them."
He further stated that he had to impose sanctions on European countries and China because of their oil purchases from Russia. China is currently imposing significant tariffs on the United States. "I am willing to do more, but not when the people I fight for are buying oil from Russia." It's worth noting that Donald Trump was the first to congratulate PM Modi on his birthday on September 17th. He called PM Modi at 10:53 pm on September 16th to wish him. Trump shared his conversation with the PM on his social media platform, Truthout, at 11:30 pm. Trump wrote, "Just spoke to my friend, Narendra Modi, on the phone. I wished him a happy birthday. He's doing an amazing job. Narendra, thank you for your support in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine."

Responding to Trump's greetings, Modi wrote on Twitter, "Thank you, my friend, President Trump. Like you, I want to take our partnership to new heights. We support a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict."

In September, Trump called PM Modi his friend twice on social media.

On September 5th, Trump wrote on Truthout at around 6 am, "It seems we've lost India and Russia to China." Hopefully, he will have a good future.” Trump backtracked during a press conference at the White House between 6 and 7 p.m. In response to a question, he said, “I will always be Modi’s friend. I am always ready to reset our relationship with India.”

The next day, at 9:45 a.m., PM Modi shared Trump’s statement, writing on X, “I wholeheartedly appreciate and fully support President Trump’s sentiments and his views on our relationship.” He added, “India and the United States have a positive and visionary strategic partnership.”

On September 10, Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, “I am pleased to report that discussions are underway to remove trade barriers between India and the United States. I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, PM Modi, in the coming weeks.” I am confident that we will have no difficulty in reaching a successful outcome for both great countries.'

About five hours after Trump's post, PM Modi also wrote in a post, "India and the United States are good friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless possibilities of the India-US partnership."