‘Very Special Relationship’: Trump Reassures on India-US Ties; Jaishankar to Represent India at UNGA as PM Skips

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday created a stir when he said, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” However, during a press conference soon after, Trump clarified that India-US ties were a “very special relationship” and assured that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi would “always be friends,” and that there was “nothing to worry about.”

 

 

At the same time, Trump showed his displeasure over India buying large amounts of oil from Russia.

 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded warmly to Trump’s words of friendship. He said he “deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates” the U.S. President’s sentiments and positive view of India-US ties. “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” Modi posted on X.

 

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that PM Modi will not address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York later this month, amid ongoing tensions between India and the U.S. over tariffs. His name is missing from the revised provisional list of speakers. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will speak during the General Debate on September 27.

 

According to an earlier list issued in July, Modi was scheduled to address the UNGA on September 26. The 80th session of the UN General Assembly will begin on September 9, while the high level General Debate will run from September 23-29. As per tradition, Brazil will be the first speaker, followed by the United States.