US President Donald Trump holds “great respect” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and remains “very positive and strongly committed” to strengthening ties between India and the United States, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Leavitt said Trump and Modi “talk frequently”, and that the US President had personally called the Indian leader during the Diwali celebrations held at the White House last month.

“We have a great US Ambassador to India in Mr Sergio Gor, who will represent our country very well,” Leavitt added, highlighting the importance of diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Trade Negotiations Moving Forward

Discussing bilateral trade relations, Leavitt said that Trump’s administration is engaged in “very serious discussions” with India on key economic issues. “I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently,” she said.

The United States and India have already held five rounds of talks toward the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement. However, progress has been uneven due to trade tensions stemming from Washington’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports and an additional 25% import duty on purchases of Russian crude oil.

India’s Stand on Trade and Energy Security

Responding to trade concerns, India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the country would not rush into any trade agreements or accept terms that limit its trading options.

He emphasized that India’s energy imports — especially from Russia — are vital for maintaining affordable energy supplies and national energy security. However, with the United States introducing new sanctions on two major Russian producers, Indian refiners are preparing to significantly reduce Russian oil imports in compliance with those measures.

Trump Continues to Praise Modi Despite Disagreements

Despite the ongoing trade friction, Trump has continued to speak warmly about Prime Minister Modi and India. During a recent public appearance, the US President described Modi as “a great looking guy” and “tough as hell.”

His remarks underline the personal rapport both leaders share, even as their governments navigate complex trade and energy issues.