New Delhi is proceeding with caution after U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stance on India, following weeks of heightened tensions over the U.S. imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Trump, in a statement from the White House, called the India-U.S. relationship “very special” and said he would “always be friends” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PM Modi responded to Trump’s comments on social media, saying he “deeply appreciate[d] and fully reciprocate[d]” the sentiments. However, Indian officials noted that unlike in the past, PM Modi did not refer to Trump as a “friend,” suggesting a more cautious approach.
Key Issues and Analysis
- Trade Tensions: The recent strain in ties began when the Trump administration imposed severe tariffs on India, citing its continued purchase of Russian oil. India has maintained its right to buy oil from sources that “suit us best,” with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating the country will continue to do so.
- Geopolitical Symbolism: New Delhi attributes Trump’s shift in tone partly to PM Modi’s recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a regional summit in China. Photographs of the three leaders together were seen as a powerful symbol of shifting global alignments, leading Trump to express concerns that the U.S. had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.”
- Expert Views: Analysts, such as Pramit Pal Choudhuri of the Eurasia Group, view Trump’s latest remarks as a negotiating tactic. They believe it is a temporary “generous gesture” after a period of pressure, rather than a fundamental change in policy. Former U.S. officials have also voiced concerns that Trump’s actions could push India closer to Washington’s adversaries.
Despite the recent positive comments, both sides remain far apart on key issues. Senior officials in the Trump administration, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have continued to criticize India’s oil purchases, while Indian ministers remain firm in their stance on national interests
