When US ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, October 11, he brought along a framed photograph of Modi and former US President Donald Trump, personally signed by Trump. On the photo, in his familiar bold marker handwriting, Trump had written: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great.”
Gor, a close aide of Trump, conveyed that the former president continues to regard Modi as “a great personal friend.” The gesture underscored the leaders’ personal rapport, even as India–US relations face challenges over trade tariffs and geopolitical disagreements.
A Friendship Amid Friction
Despite Trump’s repeated praise for Modi, ties between the world’s largest and oldest democracies have hit a two-decade low, following Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Indian goods.
The two leaders, however, have continued to engage directly. Modi recently spoke with Trump to commend his Gaza peace plan, which has temporarily paused Israel’s military operations in Palestinian territories. The call followed weeks of fluctuating signals from Trump—alternating between sharp criticism and public warmth toward India.
Personal Messages and Political Barbs
In mid-September, Trump personally called Modi to wish him on his 75th birthday, to which Modi responded on X (formerly Twitter):
“Thank you, my friend. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India–US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.”
However, Trump’s tone soon shifted. During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, he accused India and China of being major funders of Russia’s war in Ukraine, citing India’s oil imports from Moscow. He also reiterated his claim that he had “stopped a nuclear war” between India and Pakistan—an assertion India has never endorsed.
Tariffs, Visas, and Diplomatic Tests
Trade negotiations between the two nations briefly resumed after this exchange, but tensions persist. Trump recently said he had “sanctioned” India despite their friendship, while urging European nations to follow suit against Russia.
In another blow to Indian professionals, Trump’s administration imposed a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, effectively halting the program that supports thousands of Indian tech workers in the US. In response, Indian ministers emphasized the need for engineers to “return home and contribute” to domestic industries and innovation.
Anger Over Modi–Putin–Xi Meeting
Trump also reacted strongly to Modi’s meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin. “We’ve lost India and Russia to China,” Trump said, following the display of camaraderie between the three leaders.
Trade Talks Resume, But ‘Red Lines’ Stay
While discussions over a trade deal have restarted, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently reaffirmed that India has “red lines” regarding its farm and dairy sectors. Meanwhile, the US insists that India must reduce Russian oil imports and liberalize market access if it seeks tariff relief.
There is currently no confirmation of a future Modi–Trump meeting. Trump has since announced a plan to raise tariffs on China to over 100% and held “friendly” talks with Brazil’s President Lula da Silva—whose country faces tariffs similar to India’s.
The Symbolism Behind the Message
Trump’s handwritten note, “Mr Prime Minister, you are great,” reflects the former president’s characteristic blend of personal diplomacy and unpredictability. Despite sharp economic and political differences, the exchange underscores the enduring—if uneasy—connection between Modi and Trump, and the complex state of India–US relations as both nations navigate shifting global alliances.
Source:Africa Publicity
