During a joint press briefing in the UK, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that he remains “very close” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as he defended recent sanctions imposed on India. Trump said he called Modi to wish him a happy birthday and applauded the Indian leader’s “beautiful statement” following their call. 

However, Trump emphasized that despite the warm words, the U.S. saw no choice but to sanction India, citing its purchases of Russian oil as a key factor. He contrasted this with European nations also buying Russian oil, stressing that even close allies must face consequences when their actions undermine broader policy objectives. 

The statements came amid renewed India-U.S. trade talks described as “positive and forward-looking,” after tensions over steep U.S. tariffs—some as high as 50%—imposed in response to India’s continued dealings with Russia.