Sat Sep 06 08:57:25 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Modi Affirms “Very Positive” Ties with U.S. After Trump Downplays “Losing India” Remark**

New Delhi – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly reaffirmed the strength of India’s relationship with the United States, describing ties as “very positive” and “forward-looking.” This comes after a week of mixed signals from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who initially suggested India and Russia had been “lost” to China before walking back the statement.

“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties,” Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. He emphasized the “comprehensive and global strategic partnership” between the two nations.

The need for reassurance stems from recent events. Trump had earlier expressed concerns, including India’s increasing oil purchases from Russia. These purchases, he claimed, were indirectly fueling Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Compounding the issue, Trump remarked on Friday that India, alongside Russia, seemed to have been “lost” to China after Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin.

The SCO summit, a gathering of more than 20 leaders from non-Western countries, marked Modi’s first visit to China in seven years, suggesting a potential thaw in relations between the two Asian giants.

However, Trump subsequently downplayed his initial statement, stating, “I don’t think we have [lost India].” He admitted to being “very disappointed” with India’s oil purchases from Russia but insisted his personal relationship with Modi remains strong. “I will always be friends with Modi,” he said, adding, “India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about.”

While Trump and Modi have enjoyed a close personal relationship, strains have emerged. The Trump administration imposed tariffs on Indian imports, and Trump has also expressed frustration at India’s rejection of third-party mediation on Kashmir. Moreover, Trump has shown displeasure in failing to quickly negotiate a resolution to the war in Ukraine.

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