After a week of tension, US President Donald Trump has softened his tone toward Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him his “very good friend” while announcing ongoing trade negotiations between the two nations.
This marks a sharp turnaround from Trump’s previous criticism following Modi’s public display of camaraderie with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Truth Social, Trump shared his optimism: “I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations.
I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks.
I feel certain there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our great countries!”
Tensions Sparked by Modi’s Handshake with Putin
The shift comes after Modi was photographed holding hands with Putin at an anti-NATO summit in China, sparking international headlines.
Trump’s previous frustration stemmed from India’s continued energy and military purchases from Russia, which he viewed as indirectly supporting Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
“What few people understand,” Trump explained, “is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us… a totally one-sided relationship.”
He highlighted India’s historically high tariffs, which he argued prevented American businesses from competing in the Indian market.
Historical Trade Friction
Trump has had a mixed relationship with Modi over the years.
While the two leaders shared a friendly rapport during Trump’s first term, his second term saw increased economic tensions.
The Wall Street Journal reports that India’s import tariffs average around 14%, significantly higher than countries like China, which levy about 6.5%.
To counter this, Trump imposed steep tariffs on some Indian goods, at times up to 50%, framing it as retaliation against Delhi’s support for Russian oil.
Despite these measures, India, alongside China, remains one of Russia’s largest oil buyers.
Analysts suggest that these policies may have nudged India closer to Russia and China economically.
Navarro Criticizes Modi’s Diplomatic Moves
Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, voiced confusion over Modi’s approach, despite praising him as a “great leader.”
Speaking on Fox News, Navarro questioned why India’s leader appeared to align so closely with both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, instead of focusing solely on strengthening ties with Washington.
A Summit of Global Alternatives
The controversial handshake between Modi and Putin took place at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.
Hosted by Xi Jinping, the meeting brought together over 20 non-Western leaders and was framed as a challenge to the US-led global system.
The summit featured public displays of unity, with Modi, Putin, and Xi seen laughing and walking together.
Modi even shared a photo of himself inside Putin’s armored limousine, captioning it: “Always a delight to meet President Putin. Conversations with him are always insightful.”
Russia and India Reaffirm Ties
During the summit, Modi emphasized the long-standing relationship between India and Russia, stating: “Even in the most difficult situations, India and Russia have always walked shoulder to shoulder.”
Putin responded warmly, highlighting decades of “friendly and trusting” relations.
Xi also delivered a pointed message criticizing Western policies, urging member states to oppose hegemonism and power politics while supporting multilateralism.
He announced billions in aid and loans, plans for an AI cooperation center, and a joint lunar research station—moves that could challenge US influence in the region.
Building a New Global Order
Putin endorsed Xi’s vision, describing the SCO as fostering “genuine multilateralism” and creating a new security system in Eurasia that considers the interests of multiple nations rather than favoring one.
He continued to blame NATO for the war in Ukraine, claiming the West provoked the crisis by trying to draw Ukraine into the alliance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin for avoiding agreed-upon meetings, saying: “That is his number one sport.”
Looking Ahead: Military Showcases and Diplomacy
Putin is expected to stay in China as the guest of honor at a major military parade in Beijing, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War Two.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will also attend, with the event showcasing China’s latest military technology, including hypersonic missiles.
Experts suggest this is intended as a clear signal to the West.