(Image source from: bangla.aajtak.in)

US President Donald Trump seemed to change his position regarding his comment that America had "lost India and Russia" to China. Not long after he made those remarks, the Republican leader stated that he has a good relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recalling Modi’s recent trip to the US. Trump shared a photo featuring Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and PM Modi, with a message saying: 'Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to the deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!' When asked about this post and who he holds responsible for losing India to China, Trump responded: "I don't believe we have. I am quite disappointed that India is purchasing so much oil from Russia. I have communicated this to them. We imposed a very large tariff on India - 50 percent, which is a high tariff. As you know, I have a good relationship with Modi. He was here a couple of months ago..."

While Trump emphasized his friendship with PM Modi, he also mentioned that the US was not pleased with India's oil imports from Russia. A few weeks ago, Trump had declared 50% tariffs on Indian imports, which began on August 27. Half of these tariffs were introduced as punishment for India's oil dealings with Russia. Although Trump restated his worries about the India-Russia energy arrangements, he appeared to soften his tone from his earlier social media post. The President affirmed that he would "always" maintain his friendship with PM Modi, stating that India and the US hold a “special connection.” “I will always be friends with Modi; he is a wonderful Prime Minister, truly great... I just disagree with his actions right now, but India and the United States share a special connection. There’s nothing to be concerned about,” Trump stated when questioned about improving relations with India, as reported.

With Trump's 50% tariffs now in effect and various officials from his administration such as Howard Lutnick, Peter Navarro, and Scott Bessent frequently criticizing India for its trading relationship with Russia, the connection between New Delhi and Washington has been shaky lately. India recently dismissed Navarro's claim that “Brahmins are profiteering at the expense of the Indian people,” part of his numerous criticisms aimed at India. “We have noticed some incorrect statements made by him. We reject them,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated on Friday. Reports indicate that trade discussions are still ongoing between India and the US, and Union Minister Piyush Goyal recently reassured that there was no reason for concern. He also mentioned that such discussions require patience and noted that there’s “never a set timeline” for them.