Donald Trump praises PM Modi, hints at India visit in 2026 as US-India trade tensions persist

Washington DC: United States President Donald Trump has once again expressed admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as “a great man” and “a friend”, while indicating a potential visit to India in 2026. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said he was open to visiting India soon, suggesting that preparations were already being discussed.

“He (PM Modi) largely stopped buying from Russia. And he is a friend of mine, and we speak. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great man. He wants me to go there. We will figure that out, I will go,” Trump told reporters when asked about a possible visit. When pressed for a timeline, he added, “It could be, yes,” hinting at a 2026 visit.

Also read: ‘President has great respect for PM Modi, feels strongly about India-US ties’: White House

White House confirms ‘serious discussions’ on trade

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the President’s trade team is in “very serious discussions” with New Delhi, emphasising Trump’s “strong personal connection” with Prime Minister Modi. She added that the President values the partnership with India and views it as “critical for regional and global stability.”

“The President is positive and feels very strongly about the India-US relationship. A few weeks ago, he spoke to the Prime Minister directly when he celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office with several high-ranking Indian-American officials,” Leavitt said, adding that the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, has been instrumental in advancing bilateral negotiations.

Trade strain and tariffs amid Russian oil issue

Ties between Washington and New Delhi have been tested in recent months following the US decision to impose a 50 per cent tariff, including an additional 25 per cent duty, on India’s imports linked to Russian oil purchases. The Trump administration described the move as necessary to protect American trade interests and align with sanctions on Moscow.

However, India criticised the decision as “unfair and unreasonable,” maintaining that its energy imports are driven by national interest and consumer welfare. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that India’s energy sourcing policies are guided by the need to ensure stability, affordability, and security for domestic consumers.

MEA’s firm response to Trump’s oil comments

Earlier in November, Trump claimed during his Asia tour that India had “largely stopped buying from Russia,” crediting Modi for his “good judgement” on global energy matters. However, India’s MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the country’s procurement strategy remains independent and driven by practical concerns rather than political alignment.

“India is a significant importer of oil and gas. It has been our consistent priority to safeguard the interests of the Indian consumer in a volatile energy scenario. Our import policies are guided entirely by this objective,” Jaiswal said. He added that India continues to expand its energy trade with the United States, particularly in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, while maintaining diversified sourcing globally.

Balancing diplomacy and domestic interests

Analysts note that Trump’s remarks reflect an attempt to restore warmth to a bilateral relationship strained by trade disagreements. While the White House continues to stress a positive outlook, New Delhi remains cautious, prioritising self-reliance in its energy and trade decisions.

Despite differences over tariffs and oil imports, the India-US partnership continues to grow in strategic sectors such as defence, technology, and energy cooperation. Trump’s possible 2026 visit—if it materialises—could serve as an opportunity to recalibrate the trade relationship and reinforce diplomatic goodwill between the two countries.