In a sign of de-escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have publicly signalled a desire to mend their relationship, despite a recent trade impasse. Trump asserted that the two nations share a special relationship, and there is nothing to worry about, an assessment fully reciprocated by Modi, who described the partnership as very positive and forward-looking.
The comments came after Trump's initial social media post that he had lost India and Russia to China. However, he quickly walked back the statement during a media chat, expressing his disappointment over India's continued purchase of Russian oil but maintaining that he would always be friends with Modi. He clarified that his imposition of a 50% tariff was directly linked to this issue.
The back-and-forth follows a defiant stance by New Delhi, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating that India's oil purchases are based on what suits us best and that they would undoubtedly continue buying Russian oil. While some of Trump's trade advisors have used inflammatory rhetoric, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal took a more conciliatory tone, describing the trade dispute as a temporary wrinkle in an otherwise important relationship. However, the lack of direct contact between the two leaders and the possibility of Modi forgoing a visit to the UN General Assembly later this month suggest that while the public rhetoric has softened, a full reset of ties may still be some way off.