The ever-evolving relationship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump oscillates between overt affection and subtle tensions, reflecting the geopolitical currents shaping U.S.-India ties in the 21st century.
1. HOWDY MODI
The ‘Howdy Modi’ event was a defining moment in the Modi-Trump diplomatic narrative. The event was held in Texas in 2019 and was attended by over 50,000 people. It marked the largest-ever gathering in the USA for a foreign leader.
Modi’s introduction of Trump as a friend of India; and Trump’s reciprocation by praising Modi’s leadership cemented the public image of a strong personal bond. Trump also praised the Indian-American population for their contribution to American growth.
2019 was a time when PM Modi was facing international criticism for the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Trump’s exhibition of friendship towards him was a huge show of friendship and global legitimacy for Modi.
This wasn’t a one-way benefit friendship. Trump also found a vast stage for himself at the event where he wooed the Indian diaspora and secured the support of India-Americans.
2. NAMASTE TRUMP
Just 5 months after ‘Howdy Modi’, the Indian PM returned the gesture with ‘Namaste Trump’ to welcome his friend Donald Trump on his first official visit to India. Modi hailed Trump as a trusted friend of India, while Trump described Modi as “an exceptional leader”, calling India a “loyal friend” of the United States.
3. TRUMP UNHAPPY WITH MODI
The relationship between the two world leaders has always been threatened by their different allies and international footing.
United States’ arch enemies are Russia and China. Meanwhile, India continues to have loyal ties with Russia whatever might be the situation. China, who is a neighbour of India, also engages in frequent diplomatic meets with PM Modi.
Trump has also openly expressed that he is truly disappointed with India for buying so much oil from Russia.
4. TRUMP HITS INDIA WITH TARIFFS
In mid-2025, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on goods imported from India. He didn’t stop there and imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods as a penalty for India purchasing Russian oil.
This was a heavy blow for India, who is now burdened with 50% tariff in total. Key exports like textiles, jewellery, shrimp, leather goods, carpets, chemicals and machinery are among the worst hit, while drugs and smartphones remain exempt.
As an aftermath of these tariffs, Indian rupee has seen a decline and has even slipped below the 88 mark.
5. MODI SOCIALISING WITH TRUMP’S ENEMIES
PM Modi met Trump’s enemies- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin- at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2025.
A video showed PM Modi holding hands with Putin and walking towards Xi.
The striking picture of Modi with the two world leaders was a blow to Trump.
6. WAR OF WORDS
Scathed by the SCO meet, Trump commented, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!”
Meanwhile, Indian government has called US tariffs “unjust, unjustified and unreasonable”.
Trump earlier called the Indian economy “dead”. He said the India-US trade agreement is a one-sided disaster. Trump added, “(India) sell us massive amounts of goods, their biggest ‘client’, but we sell them very little…a totally one sided relationship, and it has been for many decades.”
He also asked Apple CEO Tim Cook to not expand production in India, insisting more manufacturing must happen in the U.S.
7. FRIENDS FOREVER: TRUMP
Despite all the unpleasantness, Trump asserted at a press conference in Washington that he will always be friends with Modi. Trump added, “He’s a great Prime Minister. But I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment.” He ascertained that Indian and United States have a “very special relationship” and there is “nothing to worry about”. “We just have moments on occasion,” the President added.
8. MODI REPLIED!
After Trump’s “friends” remark, PM Modi tweeted, “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties.”
He added, “India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
The Prime Minister also tagged Trump and POTUS on his tweet.
9. FRENEMIES: WHY THEY NEED EACH OTHER?
India and the United States maintain a significant and mutually beneficial trade relationship—one that India cannot easily afford to jeopardize without risking economic consequences.
Since the landmark 2008 civil nuclear agreement, the two nations have developed a robust defense and security partnership that remains essential to India’s long-term strategic interests.
Continued collaboration with the U.S. strengthens India’s position in preserving a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, especially amid rising regional tensions.
10. WHAT’S NEXT?
Modi and Trump’s diplomatic ties run deep and are very unlikely to be broken by the whirlwind of recent events.
While India values its friendship with America, it is not likely to take sides on the US-Russia tiff anytime in the future. India is expected to maintain neutrality on US-China-Russia power dynamics.
India has also asserted that it will not stop buying oil from Russia.
Despite all the tensions, Modi and Trump have mutually expressed that they have a “very special relationship”. Moreover, the duo are expected to agree to a trade deal.
Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the two countries are likely to finalise a trade deal this year.
Thus, the future of Trump-Modi friendship looks promising in the future. However, the choice of India’s friends will always loom in the background of their relationship.
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