“We have a very good relationship, But I sanctioned them”, Trump on India

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday (September 18, 2025) described himself as being “very close” to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as his administration continues to tighten trade sanctions on New Delhi.

Speaking alongside the U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, Trump struck a characteristically warm but contradictory tone. “I’m very close to India. I’m very close to the Prime Minister of India. I spoke to him the other day to wish him a Happy Birthday,” he said, referring to Modi’s 75th birthday wishes earlier this week. Modi responded with what Trump called a “beautiful statement.”

Despite the friendly exchanges, Trump confirmed that sanctions remain in place. “We have a very good relationship, and he put out a beautiful statement too. But I sanctioned them,” he told reporters when asked about his strategy against Russia and countries continuing to buy its oil.

On Tuesday, a day before Modi’s birthday, Trump had placed a congratulatory call that Indian officials privately described as “an important gesture” amid tensions. Yet, the sanctions package doubled tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S., raising them to 50%. The measures also slapped an additional 25% duty on Indian crude purchases from Russia.

India has defended its decision to keep buying discounted Russian oil, arguing that national energy security and market conditions leave it little choice. Trump, however, doubled down: “If the price of oil comes down, Putin is going to drop out of that war. He’ll have no choice.” He added that similar penalties were applied to European nations and China.

The press conference also gave Trump space to air familiar claims. He described Russian President Vladimir Putin as his “biggest disappointment” and once again boasted of mediating in the India-Pakistan conflict earlier this year. “We did India, and we did Pakistan. That was purely for trade. You want to trade with us, you’re going to have to get along,” he insisted.

India has repeatedly denied any outside mediation, maintaining that its ceasefire with Pakistan followed direct military-level talks.

For all the friction, the U.S. President’s latest remarks show Washington still sees India as a vital partner. Trump may have sanctioned New Delhi, but he is also publicly signaling that personal chemistry with Modi could still shape the trajectory of ties.