Amidst recent fluctuations in the India-U.S. relationship, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has affirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump have consistently maintained a strong personal rapport. This statement follows President Trump's recent remarks about India-U.S. ties and Prime Minister Modi's positive response.

On Friday, September 5, 2025, President Trump described the India-U.S. relationship as "very special" and asserted that he and PM Modi would "always be friends". However, he also voiced his disapproval of India's current actions, specifically mentioning the country's oil imports from Russia. Despite these concerns, Trump reassured that "there is nothing to worry about" regarding the overall relationship between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi responded to President Trump's remarks by expressing his appreciation and reciprocating the positive sentiments. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi stated that he "deeply appreciate[s] and fully reciprocate[s] President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties". He further emphasized the "very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership" between India and the U.S..

EAM Jaishankar amplified this message, emphasizing Prime Minister Modi's commitment to the U.S. partnership. "PM Modi attaches enormous importance to our partnership with the US," Jaishankar stated. He also noted that Modi has "always had a very good personal equation with President Trump". Jaishankar added, "But the point is that we remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can't say more than that".

These exchanges suggest a potential stabilization in the India-U.S. relationship, even amidst existing trade and tariff tensions. Trump's comments came shortly after criticism concerning India's relationship with China and its oil imports from Russia. His shift in tone, reaffirming his friendship with Modi and highlighting the "special relationship" between the two countries, has been viewed as an attempt to ease concerns.

The External Affairs Ministry has also addressed concerns about the relationship, with a spokesperson stating that the partnership has "weathered several transitions and challenges". The Ministry remains focused on the substantive agenda and hopes the relationship will continue to move forward based on mutual respect and shared interests. Further signaling the strength of the relationship, India and the U.S. have recently commenced a joint military exercise in Alaska.

While a potential bilateral meeting between the leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York was anticipated, recent updates suggest that EAM Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation instead of PM Modi. However, the possibility of a phone call between the two leaders remains open. Despite recent disagreements over specific policy choices, the underlying foundation of the India-U.S. relationship appears to remain strong, supported by the personal connection between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump.