Hours after claiming that the United States has “lost” India to China, US President Donald Trump toned down his rhetoric, saying that ties with New Delhi remained “special” and he continued to share a strong personal bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shortly after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he “appreciates and fully reciprocates” Donald Trump’s sentiments hours after the US President harped on their strong personal bond despite a strain in India-US ties.
The exchange marks the first positive development in months amid a downturn in ties after Trump imposed a 50% tariff on India and reports of the Prime Minister declining four calls from the US President.
However, PM Modi, while saying that he “reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments, stopped short of calling the US President his friend, suggesting that it would take some work behind the scenes for the chill to disappear.
The positive exchange between the two leaders suggests that the door for a recalibration of ties between the two nations was still open despite the barrage of incendiary remarks against India by Trump and his officials.
