Overview

• President Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a friend yet affirmed that the combined 50% tariff regime tied to India’s Russian crude purchases remains in place.
• US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed India’s stance as “all bravado,” predicted it would return to talks within months, and cited Russian oil rising from under 2% to roughly 40% of India’s imports.
• Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reciprocated Trump’s positive remarks and emphasized the partnership and personal rapport without offering new commitments.
• Indian officials are maintaining a cautious, wait-and-watch approach and resist one‑sided concessions even as business and political voices push for a thaw.
• The latest UNGA speaker list points to Jaishankar leading India’s delegation, with Modi’s attendance unconfirmed and seen as contingent on any late breakthrough.