Hyderabad: Within the span of half a day, US President Donald Trump shifted from criticising India to praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pledging friendship. The reversal highlighted the changing dynamics of the India US partnership amid ongoing global tensions.
On Friday morning at 6 am, Trump posted on Truth Social that India and Russia seemed lost to China, suggesting a weakening of American influence. But by evening, during a White House press briefing, he declared he would “always be a friend of Modi” and open to “reset relations with India.”
Prime Minister Modi responded the next morning at 9:45 am on X, noting his appreciation and reciprocation of Trump’s sentiments. He reaffirmed that India and the US share “a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
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
Strategic depth reflected in India US partnership remarks
In the press briefing, Trump’s tone blended praise and criticism. He welcomed trade talks with India but expressed discontent with India’s purchase of Russian oil, citing a 50% tariff imposed by Washington. He also criticized the European Union for its $3.5 billion penalty on Google.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commented that Modi values the India-US partnership and has historically maintained cordial ties with Trump. He refrained from further detail, stressing India’s ongoing engagement with Washington.
