'Have a great friend in PM Modi': US Embassy shares surprise shoutout by Trump

The US Embassy quoted Donald Trump as saying that India is an “amazing country and an important strategic partner for America in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Updated on: Dec 16, 2025, 16:47:10 IST

By HT News Desk

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The United States Embassy in India on Tuesday shared a surprise message praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, quoting US President Donald Trump as saying, “We have a great friend in PM Modi.”

US Embassy said that PM Modi is a "great friend" to America. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets US President Donald Trump upon his arrival in Ahmedabad. (File photo/PTI)

In its message posted on 'X', the United States mission in India wrote, "India is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It is an amazing country and an important strategic partner for America in the Indo-Pacific region. We have a great friend in PM Modi" - President Donald J Trump".

The post comes after just last week Modi and Trump spoke by phone to review bilateral ties and explore ways to sustain momentum in trade engagement, HT reported earlier citing people familiar with the matter.

The conversation marked their first direct contact since October and took place as discussions on easing trade frictions gathered pace.

The call also coincided with a two-day India visit by the new US deputy trade representative Rick Switzer, who held meetings with senior Indian officials, including commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

Signals of movement on US trade deal

There have been growing indications that New Delhi and Washington may be edging closer to a trade agreement after months of strain triggered by US tariff measures.

Also Read | Engagement with US is ongoing, Centre tells RS on Trump orders on tariff, visa

India–US relations hit a low earlier this year when the Trump administration imposed 25% reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods, followed by an additional 25% penalty linked to India’s Russian oil purchases, taking the total to 50%, the highest imposed by the US on any trading partner.

Following the call, Modi described the interaction in warm terms, saying: “Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” he posted on X.

Adding to expectations, chief economic advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said last week that he expects the India–US trade deal to be concluded by the end of the current fiscal year.

India’s leadership has, however, stressed that any agreement must balance economic engagement with domestic priorities.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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