Washington, D.C. —United States President Donald Trump has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “a great man” and “a friend,” while indicating that he may visit India next year as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday after announcing a new initiative to lower the prices of weight loss drugs in the U.S., Trump said his communication with Prime Minister Modi was “going great.”
“He (Prime Minister Modi) largely stopped buying from Russia. He is a friend of mine, and we speak often. He wants me to go there — we will figure that out. I will go. Prime Minister Modi is a great man, and I will be going,” Trump said. When asked directly if the trip could take place next year, the President replied, “It could be, yes.”
The comments come amid ongoing trade talks between Washington and New Delhi, following the U.S. decision to impose 50 per cent tariffs, including 25 per cent additional duties, over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that Trump had dropped plans to visit India for the upcoming Quad Summit, citing diplomatic tensions over trade and tariffs. However, Thursday’s remarks suggest renewed interest in reviving high-level engagement between the two nations.
During the same press briefing, the event momentarily paused when a company representative fainted. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later confirmed that the individual was treated by the White House Medical Unit and was “okay.”
Leavitt also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to India-U.S. relations, saying: “The President feels very strongly about the partnership with India. He recently spoke with Prime Minister Modi during a Diwali celebration at the White House and expressed his desire to continue strengthening economic and strategic cooperation.”
Trump’s remarks align with his administration’s broader goal of economically isolating Russia through sanctions and energy restrictions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Responding to Trump’s comments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that the country’s energy policies are guided by national interests and consumer welfare. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India’s import policies are driven by the objective of securing stable energy prices and supply. We remain committed to expanding energy cooperation with the United States while safeguarding our national interests.”
With both nations seeking to deepen strategic and economic ties, Trump’s potential visit in 2026 could mark a renewed phase in the India–U.S. partnership, balancing trade negotiations with shared geopolitical goals.