United States President Donald Trump has once again expressed admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as “a great man” and “a friend,” while suggesting that he may travel to India next year to bolster trade relations between the two countries.
Speaking at the White House after unveiling a new plan to lower the prices of weight loss medications across the US, Trump said his discussions with PM Modi were progressing positively. “He’s largely stopped buying from Russia. Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and a friend of mine. He wants me to visit India, and we’ll work that out,” Trump told reporters. When asked if the visit could take place in 2026, he responded, “It could be, yes.”
His remarks come just months after reports suggested Trump had withdrawn plans to attend the upcoming Quad Summit, following Washington’s decision to impose heavy tariffs on Indian goods. The New York Times had earlier reported that the change was due to trade disagreements and shifting diplomatic priorities.
During the press conference, the event was briefly interrupted when a company representative fainted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the individual was treated immediately by medical staff and was in stable condition.
Trump’s comments also align with his administration’s ongoing trade negotiations with India. The US recently announced a 50% tariff, including an additional 25% duty, in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil. However, the President noted that India had significantly reduced its imports from Moscow and praised Modi’s cooperation on global energy stability.
Leavitt later added that the President “remains deeply committed to strengthening ties with India,” recalling that Trump had celebrated Diwali at the White House with several Indian-American officials.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed that the country’s energy decisions are guided by national interests and consumer welfare. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that India remains focused on securing energy supplies at stable prices and continues to expand its energy trade with the United States.
The developments underscore the continued strategic importance of India-US relations, particularly in trade, energy, and global diplomacy.
