New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "deeply appreciated" and "fully reciprocated" the sentiments of US President Donald Trump, who softened his stance on India and called the two countries' relationship "special" amid the tariff war.

When asked about whether he intends to reset relations with India, Trump said calmly, "I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great Prime Minister.

"I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment but India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion."

In response, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his X handle and reciprocated Trump's sentiments.

Modi wrote on X, "Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership."

Trump softened his stance just hours after he posted a sarcastic remark on Truth Social, where he said the US has lost India and Russia to 'deepest, darkest China'.

He wished all three nations a 'prosperous future'.

Trump posted an image where Modi could be seen with Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping.

In his Truth Social post, Trump said: "Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to the deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together! President Donald J. Trump."

US-India tariff war

The Trump administration, which was earlier viewed as India-friendly, has slapped a 25 percent tariff on the South Asian country for its high tariffs on American exports and another 25 percent for purchasing oil from Russia which is fighting a war against Ukraine.

Since the conflict in Ukraine began in early 2022, India significantly increased its imports of discounted Russian crude oil—now comprising over 30 percent of its total crude imports.

Indian refineries then export refined petroleum products globally which critics, especially in the U.S., argue that indirectly supports Russia’s war effort by funneling money into its economy.

In response, the US proposed tariffs and trade measures targeting India’s exports to discourage this behavior.

India said that, like any major economy, it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

Modi unequivocally said India won't compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and livestock rearers.