Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said New Delhi’s ties with Washington remain “very positive,” even as US President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs on Indian exports put pressure on bilateral relations.
Last month, the US raised duties on Indian goods to 50 percent, the highest in Asia, in retaliation for India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The tariffs, part of Trump’s global trade war, are expected to hit $48.2 billion worth of exports and could reduce India’s GDP by nearly one percent, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative.
In a post on X, Modi described the India-US relationship as a forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership, noting his appreciation for Trump’s positive assessment of bilateral ties. His comments followed Trump’s remarks in Washington, where he said he would “always be friends” with Modi.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Modi places enormous importance on India’s partnership with the US, stressing that engagement continues despite trade tensions.
Meanwhile, analysts remain skeptical. Mohan Guruswamy, a Delhi-based foreign policy expert, said Modi’s response was “excessive” given that the tariffs remain in place. Sanjay Kapoor, a political analyst, added that Washington is unlikely to ease its stance, noting that Trump has “weaponized tariffs” as part of his broader foreign policy strategy.
Last month, the US raised duties on Indian goods to 50 percent, the highest in Asia, in retaliation for India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The tariffs, part of Trump’s global trade war, are expected to hit $48.2 billion worth of exports and could reduce India’s GDP by nearly one percent, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative.
In a post on X, Modi described the India-US relationship as a forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership, noting his appreciation for Trump’s positive assessment of bilateral ties. His comments followed Trump’s remarks in Washington, where he said he would “always be friends” with Modi.
Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2025
India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.@realDonaldTrump @POTUS https://t.co/4hLo9wBpeF
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said Modi places enormous importance on India’s partnership with the US, stressing that engagement continues despite trade tensions.
Meanwhile, analysts remain skeptical. Mohan Guruswamy, a Delhi-based foreign policy expert, said Modi’s response was “excessive” given that the tariffs remain in place. Sanjay Kapoor, a political analyst, added that Washington is unlikely to ease its stance, noting that Trump has “weaponized tariffs” as part of his broader foreign policy strategy.
