‘Appreciate, Fully Reciprocate’: PM Modi Welcomes Trump’s ‘Friends’ Remark Amid Tense Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warmly reciprocated US President Donald Trump’s affirmation of their personal friendship, stating that he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the sentiment, in a move seen as an attempt to de-escalate soaring bilateral tensions . The positive exchange came just hours after Trump made a significant U-turn from his earlier claim that the US had “lost India to the deepest, darkest China,” instead emphasizing his strong personal bond with the Indian leader .
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, PM Modi described the India-US relationship as a “very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” directly responding to Trump’s conciliatory comments . The friendly exchange suggests a potential pathway to recalibrating the relationship, which has been under severe strain following Washington’s imposition of steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods over its continued purchase of Russian oil .
The diplomatic turbulence had peaked on Friday when Trump posted a photo of PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the recent SCO summit in Tianjin . His caption, “Looks like we have lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China,” rattled diplomatic circles and marked a new low in the ongoing trade dispute .
However, within hours, Trump walked back the comment, telling reporters, “I’ll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister” . While he reiterated his disappointment with India’s oil trade with Russia, he insisted that the India-US relationship remains “very special” and that there was “nothing to worry about” despite occasional disagreements .
India has so far maintained a restrained stance, refraining from direct criticism of Trump or retaliatory tariffs, even as a broader trade deal remains stalled over market access issues . PM Modi’s appreciative response to Trump’s “friends” remark signals New Delhi’s willingness to engage constructively and keep the channels of communication open, despite the recent barrage of hostile rhetoric from Washington
