External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday met Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds in New Delhi to discuss ways to strengthen India-US economic cooperation. In a post on X, the minister wrote, “Met Governor Iowa Kim Reynolds in New Delhi today. Discussed India-US economic ties and its potential.”
This meeting came shortly after Jaishankar’s remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to US President Donald Trump’s recent comments on bilateral relations. The minister emphasized that PM Modi places great importance on the India-US partnership and maintains a warm personal rapport with President Trump.
“PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. Where President Trump is concerned, he has always shared a very good personal equation with him. At this stage, I would only say that we remain fully engaged with the US,” Jaishankar noted.
Prime Minister Modi himself responded positively to President Trump’s remarks, underlining that he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments. Modi described India-US ties as “forward-looking” and focused on a “Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
On Friday, speaking at the White House, President Trump called the India-US relationship “very special” and reiterated his personal bond with PM Modi. “I’ll always be friends with Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister. There is nothing to worry about,” Trump said, even as he admitted disapproval of “what he is doing at this particular moment.”
Trump clarified that occasional differences should not overshadow the broader friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Modi, echoing the same sentiment, reaffirmed that the partnership is built on trust, mutual respect, and a vision for global progress.
With leaders on both sides emphasizing the enduring nature of the partnership, the dialogue between Jaishankar and Governor Reynolds reflects India’s continuing push to expand cooperation at multiple levels, particularly in trade and investment.
