Narendra Modi on Donald Trump
Prime Minister Narendra Modi views Donald Trump as a "friend" with whom he shares a strong, strategic partnership, which he actively seeks to renew and strengthen. Modi consistently expressed warmth and readiness to collaborate with Trump both during and after his presidential terms, focusing on mutual benefit and global goals.
This positive personal relationship and commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership has been a consistent theme in Modi's public statements regarding Donald Trump.
Despite historical trade disputes, such as tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Modi has prioritized maintaining a cooperative diplomatic channel, often using personal appeals on social media to express his desire to move past friction and work towards global peace and prosperity.
Context
The relationship between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump has been characterised by strong personal camaraderie and a mutual focus on strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership across both of Trump's presidential terms. This close personal bond contrasts with some policy friction points, particularly concerning trade.
During his first premiership, Modi enjoyed a positive working relationship with the Trump administration, despite Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, having previously denied Modi a US visa over the 2002 Gujarat riots. Modi and Trump notably appeared together at the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston in 2019.
Timeline
- Narendra Modi and Donald Trump appeared together at the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston, Texas, signalling a strong bilateral relationship.
- Modi congratulated Trump on his 'historic' 2024 election victory, calling him a 'friend' and expressing intent to renew collaboration for strengthening the strategic partnership.
- Modi spoke with Trump to congratulate him on his second term, reaffirming commitment to a 'mutually beneficial and trusted partnership' amid global discussions.
- Modi publicly reciprocated Trump's positive assessment of ties, attempting to ease recent tensions caused by trade disputes like oil tariffs.
Actions Taken
- Diplomatic CommunicationCongratulated Donald Trump on his historic election victory and stated he looked forward to renewing their collaboration to strengthen the India-US partnership.
- Spoke with Donald Trump over the phone to congratulate him on his second term and committed to working together for global peace, prosperity, and security.
- Responded to Donald Trump's positive remarks on India-US ties by stating he deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates President Trump's sentiments, seeking to move past recent bitterness.
- Attended the 'Howdy Modi' event in Houston, which included President Donald Trump, in a major demonstration of bilateral rapport.
Key Quotes
Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let's work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.
Delighted to speak with my dear friend President Donald Trump. Congratulated him on his historic second term. We are committed to a mutually beneficial and trusted partnership. We will work together for the welfare of our people and towards global peace, prosperity, and security.
Comparison
The relationship under Donald Trump differed from the preceding Barack Obama administration, which had initially shown scepticism and previously denied Modi a visa due to the 2002 Gujarat riots. Modi's government worked to improve ties with the Trump administration quickly after his 2014 election, which was mirrored by Trump's team in a general rapprochement with Modi.
Sources4
PM Narendra Modi congratulates 'friend' Donald Trump on winning US President election: 'Let's work for global peace' | India News - Hindustan Times
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.