USA- U.S. President Donald Trump struck a contradictory tone this week, saying he had sanctioned India over its purchase of Russian oil while simultaneously emphasizing his close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The remarks came during a joint press conference with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Asked about measures to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine, Trump argued that lowering global oil prices would force Moscow to settle. He highlighted India’s continued imports of Russian crude but mixed criticism with praise, noting his personal rapport with Modi. “I am very close to India, very close to the Prime Minister of India,” Trump said. “I spoke to him the other day, I wished him a happy birthday. We have a very good relationship… But I sanctioned them.”
Trump went on to point to tariffs imposed on China, while suggesting that nations benefiting from U.S. support should not be buying Russian oil. His comments came against the backdrop of recent tensions over steep tariffs—including a penalty for importing Russian crude—announced by Washington in July. Despite those frictions, both governments described bilateral trade talks held earlier this week as positive and committed to advancing negotiations on a new agreement.
Later on Thursday, Trump softened his message in a post on social media, calling Modi a “friend” and thanking him for his support on efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Modi responded by thanking Trump for his birthday greetings and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening the India-U.S. partnership while endorsing a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The exchange underscored both the complexities and the warming aspects of India-U.S. relations, as the two countries attempt to balance economic disputes with broader strategic cooperation.