Trump Reverses Tone on India-US Relations, Calls PM Modi "Great Prime Minister"

In a dramatic shift from his earlier rhetoric, US President Donald Trump described India-US relations as experiencing a "momentary hiccup," praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "great Prime Minister" and reaffirming the strength of the bilateral relationship. This marked a significant change in tone from Trump's earlier comments, where he stated that America had "lost" India and Russia to China.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump reversed his tone on India-US relations, calling the relationship a "momentary hiccup" and praising Modi as a "great Prime Minister."
• The US President attributed India's recent purchases of Russian energy to the souring of relations, but acknowledged that the issue was not a major problem.
• Modi responded positively to Trump's remarks, posting on X that he appreciated and reciprocated the President's sentiments, and reaffirming the strength of the India-US partnership.
• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the importance of the India-US partnership and Modi's good personal equation with Trump.
• The exchange came after weeks of tension over New Delhi's purchases of Russian energy, which led to a 50% punitive tariff on imports from India.
• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick escalated pressure on India, demanding that New Delhi "decide which side they want to be on" and predicting an apology within months.
• The India-US relationship is currently facing its most significant strain in two decades, with the downturn playing out publicly largely due to Trump's social media posts and remarks.

Statistics:

• 55% of India's $87 billion merchandise exports to the US are affected by a 50% tariff regime.
• 35 minutes was the duration of Modi's phone call with Trump on June 17.
• The exchange came hours after Trump posted on Truth Social that America had "lost" India and Russia to "deepest, darkest, China."
• Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has maintained hope that both countries could conclude a trade deal by November despite the geopolitical tensions.

Sources:

• "US lost India and Russia to China: Trump on Truth Social," [https://www.outlookindia.com/blogs/us-lost-india-and-russia-to-china-trump-on-truth-social/news/1775624](https://www.outlookindia.com/blogs/us-lost-india-and-russia-to-china-trump-on-truth-social/news/1775624)
• "India and US can conclude trade deal by November: Piyush Goyal," [https://www.financialexpress.com/blogs/india-and-us-can-conclude-trade-deal-by-november-piyush-goyal/2313906/](https://www.financialexpress.com/blogs/india-and-us-can-conclude-trade-deal-by-november-piyush-goyal/2313906/)
• "US says India will apologize, make deal with Donald Trump in months," [https://www.outlookindia.com/blogs/us-says-india-will-apologise-make-deal-with-donald-trump-in-months/news/1775571](https://www.outlookindia.com/blogs/us-says-india-will-apologise-make-deal-with-donald-trump-in-months/news/1775571)
• "India-US relationship is a momentary hiccup: Trump," [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-us-relationship-is-a-momentary-hiccup-trump/story-ZLbibujFhq55cWxiCpOwqN.html](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-us-relationship-is-a-momentary-hiccup-trump/story-ZLbibujFhq55cWxiCpOwqN.html)