After months of criticism and repeated tariff threats over India’s purchase of Russian oil, US President Donald Trump has now struck a softer tone, going out of his way to emphasize his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Just two days after sharing a birthday message praising Modi, Trump once again highlighted their close relationship while addressing reporters in the UK alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “I am very close to India, I am very close to the PM of India. I spoke to him the other day. I wished him a happy birthday. We have a very good relationship,” Trump said.
His comments came as he criticized European nations for continuing to buy Russian oil, saying such purchases weaken efforts to isolate Moscow. Despite his past objections to India’s oil trade with Russia, Trump indicated that driving down global oil prices would ultimately be the most effective way to pressure Russia into a settlement.
