Overview

• President Donald Trump told reporters he would always be friends with Prime Minister Narendra Modi while reiterating displeasure over India’s purchases of Russian crude and keeping tariffs at 50%.
• Modi posted that he deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates Trump’s positive assessment of the partnership, framing ties as a forward-looking comprehensive and global strategic relationship.
• Washington’s tariff regime combines a 25% reciprocal duty with an additional 25% penalty linked to Russian oil imports that took effect on August 27, which Indian officials have called unfair and unjustified.
• India’s Foreign Ministry rejected White House adviser Peter Navarro’s comments as inaccurate and misleading after he labelled India an “oil money laundromat for the Kremlin.”
• With talks strained, officials signal limited engagement ahead of the UN General Assembly, where External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is slated to lead India’s delegation as New Delhi avoids quick concessions.