'Don't think we have': Trump backtracks on 'lost India to China' post, reaffirms 'very special relationship'

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday clarified his social media post suggesting the US had "lost India and Russia to China," saying he does not believe that has actually happened. Addressing the media at the White House, Trump expressed disappointment at India's continued purchases of Russian oil and referenced the 50 per cent tariff imposed by his administration on Indian goods, with half the duties serving as a penalty for these purchases.

Asked to elaborate on his remark, Trump stated, "I don't think we have. I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India, 50 per cent, a very high tariff. I get along very well with (PM) Modi, as you know. He was here a couple of months ago, in fact, we went to the Rose Garden and had a press conference." Despite diplomatic tension, Trump reaffirmed, "I'll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He's a great Prime Minister."

Trump’s earlier post had come days after visuals from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin displayed India, Russia, and China standing together, raising alarm in Washington about shifting alliances. "Looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

On Friday, Senior Counsellor for Trade and Manufacturing Peter Navarro also accused India of profiting from discounted Russian oil and costing American jobs with high tariffs. White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett echoed disappointment about India’s continued Russian oil imports but remained hopeful for "positive developments."

India’s Ministry of External Affairs declined to comment directly on Trump’s social media remark but stressed ongoing engagement with the US on trade issues. The ministry reiterated that India’s foreign relations "stand on their own merit and should not be viewed through the prism of a third country." India dismissed accusations of funding the Russian war machine, explaining that oil purchases are for stabilising domestic energy prices and supply.

With inputs from ANI