External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the importance of the India-US partnership, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's positive relationship with US President Donald Trump, amidst recent trade tensions and Trump's remarks on India's oil trade with Russia.

Jaishankar's comments followed PM Modi's response to President Trump's "positive assessment" of the bilateral ties. Modi affirmed that he "deeply appreciate[s] and fully reciprocate[s] President Trump's sentiments". He characterized the relationship between India and the US as a "very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership".

Speaking to news agency ANI, Jaishankar stated, "PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US. Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump. But the point is that we remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can't say more than that. But that's really what I would say".

These exchanges occurred against a backdrop of trade friction, including the US imposing tariffs on India, with an additional penalty for India's purchases of Russian oil. India has called the US tariffs “unjustified and unreasonable". Trump also voiced his disappointment over India's oil trade with Russia. Despite these disagreements, Trump affirmed his friendship with PM Modi and acknowledged the "special relationship" between the two nations.

In Washington, Trump addressed his earlier social media post where he claimed the US had "lost India and Russia to China," reiterating his concerns regarding India's oil trade with Moscow. He stated, "I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil from Russia. I let them know that. We put a very big tariff on India — 50 per cent, very high tariff". Despite this, he maintained a positive tone regarding his personal relationship with the Indian Prime Minister, saying, "I'll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He's a great Prime Minister...India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion".

PM Modi's expression of reciprocation came after Trump's remarks in the Oval Office, where he underlined the strength of the relationship. Trump said, "I always will. I'll always be friends with (PM) Modi...I'll always be friends, but I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment".

Jaishankar's statement, emphasizing continued engagement and PM Modi's "very good personal equation" with President Trump, suggests an effort to downplay the impact of recent disagreements and reinforce the enduring strategic partnership between India and the United States.