Donald Trump has affirmed his enduring friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as he voiced concerns over some of Modi's recent actions. Despite expressing disappointment, Trump insisted that the relationship between the United States and India remains "very special" and that there is "nothing to worry about".

Trump's recent remarks follow a period of escalating tensions between the U.S. and India, marked by trade disputes and differing geopolitical approaches. The Trump administration has imposed significant tariffs on Indian goods, including a 50% tariff, citing India's continued purchases of Russian oil as a point of contention. Trump stated he had made his disappointment clear to India regarding the oil imports.

Despite these disagreements, Trump emphasized his personal connection with Modi. He recalled Modi's visit to the White House a few months prior and a joint press conference held in the Rose Garden.

However, Trump has also expressed the view that the U.S. has "lost" India to China, referencing Modi's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump shared a picture of Modi with Putin and Xi on his Truth Social account. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick went further, urging India to "stop being a part of BRICS," suggesting India needs to choose which side it is on.

These remarks and actions have led to a sense of unease in New Delhi. Some Indian officials believe that the U.S. is miscalculating India's role in world affairs. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has maintained that India's relationships with other countries are independent and should not be viewed through the lens of a third country. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal affirmed that India remains engaged with the U.S. on trade issues and that the relationship is based on shared interests and democratic values.

Experts suggest that Trump's approach to India reflects a belief that economic coercion can compel alignment, even from strategically independent actors. However, this strategy appears to have backfired, driving India closer to China and Russia. Some analysts point out that India's refusal to yield on Russian oil reflects its commitment to strategic autonomy.

The growing tensions have cast a shadow over the future of U.S.-India strategic cooperation, including the Quad. There are reports that Trump may not attend the next Quad summit scheduled to be held in India.

The current state of U.S.-India relations marks a significant departure from the bonhomie seen in previous years. While Trump insists on his personal friendship with Modi, his policies and statements suggest a relationship under considerable strain. It remains to be seen how both countries will navigate these challenges and whether they can restore the strategic partnership that has been carefully cultivated over decades. Some analysts believe that Trump's personal rapport with Modi is "gone now" and caution that close ties with the American leader won't protect world leaders from the "worst".