US embassy reaffirms India partnership, shares Trump praise

The US Embassy in India on Tuesday shared a message from President Donald Trump reaffirming Washington’s strategic partnership with New Delhi and describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “great friend.”

The message, posted on X, highlighted Trump’s characterization of India as “one of the world’s oldest civilizations” and an important US partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

“India is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations. It is an amazing country and an important strategic partner for America in the Indo-Pacific region. We have a great friend in PM Modi,” Trump said, according to the embassy post.

The outreach follows a recent phone conversation between Trump and Modi, during which the two leaders discussed defense cooperation, advanced technology partnerships and regional security challenges, according to official readouts.

The exchange comes amid broader engagement between New Delhi and Washington on trade and security. India and the US are understood to be close to an interim trade arrangement aimed at lowering reciprocal tariffs, though officials on both sides have said they do not want to rush negotiations by setting artificial timelines.

A US delegation led by Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer visited New Delhi from 9 to 11 December to hold discussions on a framework deal and the broader Bilateral Trade Agreement, people familiar with the matter said.

US officials have increasingly positioned India as a central pillar of their Indo-Pacific strategy, citing its role in regional stability, maritime security and resilient supply chains. Cooperation through the Quad grouping with Japan and Australia remains central to this approach.