India and US Relationship Strained by Tariffs, Modi Responds to Trump
On September 6, 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump’s positive assessment of their bilateral ties, despite the imposition of 50% tariffs on India, reports 24brussels.
In a message on social media, Modi expressed his appreciation, stating, “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
Trump characterized the relationship as “special,” asserting that there is “nothing to worry about” and reaffirming his friendship with Modi, whom he praised as a “great Prime Minister.” However, he also indicated dissatisfaction with Modi’s current actions, saying, “I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment.”
In a separate comment, Trump expressed his disappointment over India’s decision to purchase substantial amounts of oil from Russia, adding that he had imposed the 50% tariffs on Indian goods as a consequence. This situation escalated during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick delivered a stern message to India, urging it to sever its economic connections with Russia and other BRICS nations. He emphasized that failure to comply could lead to the maintenance of the tariffs that were recently enacted.