Trump in UK Says He is “Very Close” to PM Modi, Reaffirms Ties Amid Trade Talks

LONDON (UK) – US President Donald Trump publicly reaffirmed his strong personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, even as he referenced imposing steep tariffs on India. The comments were made during a press briefing following bilateral talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

President Trump highlighted the closeness of the relationship, noting, “I’m very close to India. I’m very close to the Prime Minister of India.” He revealed he had recently spoken to PM Modi to wish him a happy birthday, describing the conversation positively and noting the Indian leader had issued a “beautiful statement.”

The US President contextualized these remarks while discussing global oil purchases from Russia. He stated that despite his personal relationship with PM Modi, he had sanctioned India, drawing a parallel to his actions against European nations for similar purchases. Trump asserted that his tariff policies are a primary tool, stating he is willing to intervene in conflicts only if “the people that I’m fighting for are buying oil from Russia.”

He further opined on the Russia-Ukraine war, claiming, “Very simply, if the price of oil comes down, Putin is going to drop out. He’s going to have no choice.”

The public display of bonhomie follows a phone call between the two leaders on the eve of PM Modi’s birthday. President Trump later posted on his Truth Social platform, thanking the Indian Prime Minister for his “support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine” and praising him for doing a “tremendous job.”

This renewed warmth coincides with the recent resumption of trade negotiations between the two nations. The Indian government has previously described these discussions as “positive and forward-looking.” This marks a potential upswing in India-US relations, which had faced challenges after President Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50%.