Fri Sep 19 03:23:31 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article rewrite focusing on the U.S.-India angle:

**Summary:**

In a joint press conference with the UK Prime Minister, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed his close relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even amid existing trade tensions stemming from increased U.S. tariffs on Indian goods and India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Trump defended the tariffs as a means to pressure Russia and claimed he intervened to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent conflict, linking it to trade negotiations. India has denied any third-party intervention in their understanding with Pakistan.

**News Article:**

**U.S. President Trump Touts Strong Ties with India Despite Trade Tensions**

**London, September 19, 2025** – U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his “very close” relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as trade disagreements between the two nations persist. Speaking at a joint press conference with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday, Trump conveyed birthday wishes to Modi and highlighted their “very good relationship.”

Despite the positive rhetoric, Trump acknowledged the existing strain, noting that he had “sanctioned” India through increased tariffs, including a 50% duty on Indian goods and additional levies on India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. He defended these measures as necessary to pressure Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine and suggested that lower oil prices would force Putin to withdraw.

Trump also made a controversial claim about intervening in a recent India-Pakistan conflict, stating, “We did India, and we did Pakistan… That was purely for trade. You want to trade with us, you’re going to have to get along.” He implied that the U.S. had brokered a ceasefire.

The Indian government has consistently denied any third-party involvement in reaching an understanding with Pakistan on cessation of hostilities, maintaining that it was a result of direct talks between military officials.

The comments come amidst ongoing efforts by the U.S. to “reset” its relationship with India, even as disagreements on trade and energy policy continue to pose challenges. The U.S. president and First Lady have since departed to the U.S.

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