US President Donald Trump emphasized his personal friendship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. Speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday, Trump described his ties with Modi as “very close.” He mentioned having called the Indian leader a day earlier to wish him on his 75th birthday, praising Modi’s “beautiful” response.
Despite the warmth, Trump acknowledged that his administration had imposed sanctions on New Delhi for continuing to purchase Russian crude oil. He noted that Washington had recently doubled tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, with an additional 25% duty tied specifically to energy imports from Moscow. India has consistently defended its decision to buy Russian oil, stressing that national interest and market conditions guide its energy strategy.
The US President reiterated his view that low oil prices would eventually compel Russia to end its war in Ukraine. “If the price of oil comes down, Putin will have no choice but to pull out,” Trump said. He pointed out that sanctions had also been extended to European countries and China, adding that “China is paying a very large tariff right now to the United States.”
Trump further revisited his earlier claim of involvement in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, referencing Operation Sindoor, which followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He argued that economic pressure was used as leverage. “That was purely for trade. You want to trade with us, you’re going to have to get along,” he said. “And they were going at it hot and heavy.”
New Delhi has repeatedly denied outside mediation in its ceasefire agreements with Islamabad, insisting that decisions were reached through direct talks between the two militaries.
Trump’s remarks came at the end of his UK visit, which included meetings with King Charles III and other senior officials. He and First Lady Melania Trump departed for Washington shortly after the press conference, with the President leaving behind a clear message: even as Washington enforces sanctions, it considers India a close friend and a key strategic partner.
