US-India Relations: Trump Reaffirms Friendship With PM Modi Amid Trade Talks

US President Donald Trump on Thursday reiterated his close ties with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stressing the strong relationship between Washington and New Delhi.

Speaking at a joint press briefing in the United Kingdom alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said he has maintained a personal rapport with PM Modi. "I'm very close to India. I'm very close to the Prime Minister of India. I spoke to him the other day, wished him a happy birthday. We have a very good relationship. He put out a beautiful statement too," Trump said.

The US President noted that he had spoken to PM Modi just days earlier to extend birthday wishes, adding that the Indian leader is "doing a tremendous job." On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump had written: "Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine! President DJT."

During the press conference, Trump also touched upon the Ukraine conflict, linking it directly to global oil prices. "Very simply, if the price of oil comes down, Putin is going to drop out. He's going to have no choice. He's going to drop out of that war," he said.

The latest comments highlight the camaraderie between Trump and Modi, coming just two days after their phone conversation. The warm exchanges also coincide with the revival of trade negotiations between India and the United States.

In response to Trump's birthday wishes, Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's commitment to the strategic partnership. "India is fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights," Modi stated, underlining New Delhi's focus on strengthening bilateral ties.