Amid tensions with the United States over tariffs imposed on India by President Donald Trump, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with Governor of Iowa, Kim Reynolds here.
In a post on X later, he said, “Met Governor Iowa Kim Reynolds in New Delhi today. Discussed India-US economic ties and its potential.”
Relations between India and the US have been far from normal in the wake of President Trump slapping 50 per cent tariffs on Indian products, including 25 per cent as a penalty for continuing to purchase oil from Russia.
President Trump and his close aides have also made some uncharitable remarks about India, increasing tensions between the two countries. However, New Delhi has refused to make any unhealthy comment on the acrimony while stating that the two countries are still negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
However, President Trump’s remarks on Friday in which he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership have clearly suggested that Washington might be wanting to reset the ties with New Delhi.
“I always will. I’ll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He’s a great Prime Minister. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion,” he told a questioner at the White House.
PM Modi responded immediately by writing 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.”
Jaishankar also told the media that the PM attaches enormous importance to India’s partnership with the US. ”Where President Trump is concerned, he (PM Modi) has always had a very good personal equation with President Trump. But the point is that we remain engaged with the US, and at this time, I can’t say more than that. But that’s really what I would say,” he said.