Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed that relations with the United States remain strong despite recent frictions highlighted by US President Donald Trump's comments on global alignments.
In a statement released on Saturday via social media platform X, Modi expressed appreciation for Trump's positive outlook on their bilateral ties.
The remarks come in the wake of Trump's social media post where he suggested that India and Russia had aligned closely with China following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.
During the event, which hosted leaders from over 20 non-Western nations including Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussions focused on regional security.
It marked Modi's first visit to China in seven years, indicating a potential easing of tensions between the two Asian giants.
Trump's post included a photo of the three leaders together, accompanied by the words: “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
This statement fueled speculation about a widening rift between Washington and New Delhi, already strained by economic measures.
The US administration recently imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian imports, citing India's continued purchases of Russian oil as a factor enabling Moscow's military actions in Ukraine.
These tariffs followed a previous 25 percent levy after failed trade negotiations between the two countries.
Indian officials have described the surcharges as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”
Trump, when pressed by reporters on Friday about his earlier comments, sought to temper the perception of discord.
He stated that he did not believe the US had lost India to China and reiterated his personal affinity for Modi.
“I don’t think we have,” Trump said.
He added that he remained disappointed with India's oil imports from Russia but emphasized that “India and the United States have a special relationship” and “there is nothing to worry about.”
The leaders, both known for their right-wing populist approaches, have maintained a close personal rapport since Trump's first term.
However, recent irritations have surfaced, including Trump's frustration over India's rejection of third-party mediation in the Kashmir dispute with Pakistan, despite his claims of diplomatic efforts to broker peace after a major conflict in May.
In his response, Modi highlighted the robustness of the India-US partnership.
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” he said.
Modi further noted that the two nations “have a very positive and forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic partnership.”
These exchanges occur against a backdrop of broader geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, now over three years since Russia's invasion.
Trump has voiced frustration at his unsuccessful attempts to facilitate an end to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Modi is expected to forgo attendance at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly later this month, though no direct link to the current diplomatic dynamics has been specified.