Amid ongoing efforts to mend strained ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has again lauded President Donald Trump's leadership regarding the Gaza peace plan. This endorsement comes as both nations navigate a complex period in their relationship, marked by trade tensions and shifts in geopolitical strategies.
PM Modi welcomed President Trump's role in reaching an agreement where Hamas has agreed to release hostages. Modi stated that peace efforts in Gaza were making "decisive progress". In a post on X, Modi tagged Trump and noted that indications of the release of hostages marked a significant step forward. He further reiterated India's commitment to supporting all efforts towards a durable and just peace in the region. Trump acknowledged Modi's support by reposting Modi's message on Truth Social.
This public appreciation from PM Modi is particularly significant given the recent challenges in India-U.S. relations. In August 2025, President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian exports, citing trade imbalances and India's continued purchase of Russian oil amidst the war in Ukraine. These tariffs have been a major point of contention, with Indian officials calling them "unfair" and "unjustified". These trade tensions have led to discussions about India diversifying its relations and increasing trade with Russia.
Despite these strains, there have been positive gestures aimed at improving relations. In September 2025, President Trump called Prime Minister Modi to wish him a happy 75th birthday. Modi publicly acknowledged the call and emphasized his commitment to strengthening the India-U.S. partnership. Furthermore, India and the U.S. have resumed negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, which both sides view as crucial for restoring normalcy in their ties.
However, some analysts suggest that the U.S. has linked India's purchases of Russian oil to these trade negotiations. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the U.S. is not trying to dictate New Delhi's foreign relations and acknowledged India's diversification away from Russian oil.
The broader context of India-U.S. relations reveals a complex history marked by periods of tension and cooperation. During the Cold War, India's non-aligned stance often placed it at odds with the U.S., which aligned with Pakistan. The 1970s saw further strain due to India's nuclear ambitions. However, the two nations have also found common ground, particularly in recent decades, due to shared strategic interests such as concerns over China's rise and cooperation on issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and defense.
Looking ahead, the future of India-U.S. relations remains uncertain. While PM Modi has expressed his commitment to taking the relationship to new heights, potential meetings between the leaders are contingent on trade progress and President Trump's participation in upcoming summits. Despite the current challenges, the underlying strategic and economic importance of the India-U.S. relationship suggests that both countries have a strong interest in finding ways to overcome their differences and strengthen their partnership.
