US President Donald Trump softened his recent criticism of India, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “great Prime Minister” and assuring that the US-India relationship remains special. “I’ll always be friends with Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said at a White House press conference Friday, while reiterating concerns over India’s Russian oil purchases and tariffs.

Hours later, PM Modi responded on X, saying he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” Trump’s sentiments, describing ties as “positive and forward-looking.”

The exchange came after Trump posted an image grouping Modi with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, claiming the US had “lost India and Russia to China.” He added a warning of possible 50% tariffs if New Delhi continues importing Russian oil.

White House officials echoed the pressure, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urging India to stop BRICS alignment and Russian oil imports or face trade penalties. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman affirmed India will continue buying Russian crude to safeguard national interests.