Trump praises Modi as 'Great Friend' amid ongoing US-India tariff tensions

US President Donald Trump has once again expressed admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great friend” and a “very smart man.” Speaking at the White House, Trump highlighted the strong relationship between the two leaders and praised India’s economic acumen, even as he reiterated concerns about the country’s high tariffs.

US President Donald Trump has once again expressed admiration for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “great friend” and a “very smart man.” Speaking at the White House, Trump highlighted the strong relationship between the two leaders and praised India’s economic acumen, even as he reiterated concerns about the country’s high tariffs. Despite ongoing trade tensions, he voiced confidence that negotiations would lead to a positive outcome for both nations.

“Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we’ve always been very good friends. India is one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world… They’re very smart,” Trump said. “He is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks. I think it’s going to work out very well between India and our country. And I want to say you have a great prime minister," Trump said.

Tensions over tariffs

Trump’s remarks come as the US prepares to impose reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India, over what he has termed unfair trade practices. He has been vocal in his criticism of India’s trade policies, previously calling the country the “tariff king” and labeling its import levies as “very unfair and strong.”

“I have a very good relationship with India, but the only problem I have with India is they’re one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world. I believe they’re probably going to lower those tariffs substantially, but on April 2, we will be charging them the same tariffs they charge us,” Trump said.

He also accused India of restrictive trade practices, adding, “You can’t sell anything into India, it is almost restrictive. They have agreed, by the way, that they want to cut their tariffs way down now because somebody is finally exposing them for what they have done.”