Amid PM Modi’s bonhomie with Xi and Putin at SCO Summit, US highlights ‘enduring friendship’ with India

Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s camaraderie with the Chinese and Russian Presidents at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, the US Embassy sent a positive signal, affirming that India and the United States share an “enduring friendship” and a “defining relationship”.

Viral visuals from the summit show PM Modi, President Xi Jinping, and President Vladimir Putin displaying bonhomie as they shake hands, embrace, and share candid moments.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the friendship between India and the US is the “bedrock of cooperation.” He added that it “propels us forward as we realise the tremendous potential of our economic relationship.”

Taking to social media website X (formerly known as Twitter), the US embassy said, “This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defence and bilateral ties, it’s the enduring friendship between our two peoples that fuels this journey. Follow the hashtag and be a part of #USIndiaFWDforOurPeople.”

The remarks come at a time when tensions between India and the US are rising over President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs.

The 50% tariffs on Indian goods, announced by the Trump administration, took effect on August 27 following a notice from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Trump imposed the tariffs as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, which he claims indirectly supports Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.

Trump, who has often called India a “tariff king” while pointing to the trade deficit, is also believed to have imposed the tariffs because trade talks between the two countries have stalled. India had refused to give US companies greater access to its agriculture and dairy sectors, which are crucial for the livelihoods of millions of Indians.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that his government will protect small entrepreneurs, farmers, and livestock rearers. During the recent Monsoon Session of Parliament, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal informed both Houses that the government is assessing the impact of the tariffs and will take all necessary steps to safeguard national interests.

India and the US had started discussions in March this year for a fair and balanced Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with the aim of completing the first stage by October–November 2025.