(Image source from: x.com/WhiteHouse)
On Thursday, President Donald Trump of the United States spoke highly of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as "a great man" and "a friend," while suggesting that he might travel to India next year to enhance trade ties between the two countries. After revealing a new agreement to reduce weights of weight loss medications, Trump told reporters at the White House that his discussions with PM Modi were "going great." "He (PM Modi) mostly stopped buying from Russia. He is my friend, and we talk regularly, and he wants me to visit. We will sort it out; I will go... Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and I will visit," Trump stated. When directly asked if he intended to go to India next year, Trump answered, "It could be, yes."
This news comes a few months after The New York Times reported in August that President Donald Trump is no longer planning to travel to India for the upcoming Quad Summit later this year, due to the decision by Washington to enforce high tariffs. The report, titled "The Nobel Prize and a Testy Phone Call: How the Trump-Modi Relationship Unravelled," mentioned that although Trump had previously promised Prime Minister Modi he would attend the summit in the fall, that plan has now been canceled. Trump made this statement during a press briefing at the White House, where officials introduced a new plan to lower costs for popular weight loss drugs across the United States.
The event briefly stopped when a company representative fainted during the announcement. "During the Most Favoured Nations Oval Office Announcement, a representative from one of the companies fainted. The White House Medical Unit quickly responded, and he is fine. The press conference will continue shortly," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. These comments were made amid ongoing trade talks between India and the United States after Washington decided to impose a 50 percent tariff, which includes an extra 25 percent duty, because India continued to buy oil from Russia.
Earlier on Tuesday, reaffirming Trump's dedication to improving bilateral connections, Leavitt stated, "The President is optimistic and feels strongly about the relationship between India and the US. A few weeks ago, he spoke directly to the Prime Minister when he celebrated Diwali in the Oval Office with many high-ranking Indian-American officials." Her comments followed Trump's recent statement that India had made significant cuts to its purchases of Russian oil. During his trip to Asia, he praised New Delhi for their actions and mentioned that Prime Minister Modi assured him that India would either reduce or completely stop importing crude oil from Moscow. Trump's remarks reflect his administration's broader strategy to economically isolate Russia through sanctions and energy limitations due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Earlier this month, India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to Trump's comments, stating that the country's decisions regarding energy sourcing are based on national interests and the well-being of consumers.
MEA representative Randhir Jaiswal stated, "India plays a major role in importing oil and gas. Protecting the needs of Indian consumers in an uncertain energy environment has always been our main focus. Our import strategies are completely shaped by this goal." He went on to explain that India's energy strategy is aimed at maintaining steady prices and reliable supplies by sourcing from various options. "Regarding the US, we have been working for years to increase our energy purchases. This effort has advanced steadily over the past ten years. The current government has shown interest in strengthening energy collaboration with India. Talks are still happening," noted Jaiswal.
