‘Natural Partners’, Really? Congress Questions PM Modi’s Remark
Sep 10, 2025 | Pratirodh Bureau
FILE PHOTO: India’s Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The relationship between the two leaders and the two countries has become strained since the declaration of heavy tariffs on India by Trump
On 10 September, the Congress party took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks describing India and the United States as “natural partners,” raising questions about the true nature of the bilateral relationship in light of recent statements by US President Donald Trump.
The opposition’s comments came shortly after Modi expressed optimism about ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries. The Prime Minister had said the talks would unlock the “limitless potential” of the partnership, signaling hope for improved ties.
However, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh responded with a pointed question. He said, “Prime Minister Modi has told President Trump that India and the US are ‘natural partners’. The question is now this: Are they so natural that President Trump has declared on over 35 different occasions that he brought about the India–Pakistan ceasefire on the evening of 10 May using trade as the instrument of leverage?”
Ramesh’s remarks underscored the complexities and tensions that have recently marked India-US relations, despite official rhetoric emphasizing friendship and cooperation.
President Trump’s latest comments, made on his social media platform Truth Social on 9 September, appeared to signal a possible thaw in the strained ties. He stated, “I am pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the trade barriers between our two nations.”
Trump added, “I look forward to speaking with my very good friend, Prime Minister Modi, in the upcoming weeks. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries!”
Responding on X (formerly Twitter) the following day, Prime Minister Modi echoed this positive tone. He said, “India and the US are close friends and natural partners,” emphasizing that “both nations are committed to concluding the trade talks promptly.”
Modi further stated, “I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people.”
President Trump later reshared Modi’s message on his social media platform, reinforcing the public display of goodwill.
This exchange marked a notable shift in tone, especially considering that relations between India and the US had recently hit what many observers described as the lowest point in over two decades. The tensions were fueled by US tariffs and concerns over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil.
The US administration had doubled tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50 percent, including an additional 25 percent duty imposed in response to India’s crude oil imports from Russia. India condemned these measures as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”
Despite these challenges, Trump’s rhetoric in recent days has softened, even if his administration’s policies have yet to fully reflect this change.
Speaking from the Oval Office on 5 September, Trump reiterated his personal rapport with Modi, saying, “I always will. I’ll always be friends with Modi, he’s a great Prime Minister. He’s great. I’ll always be friends, but I just don’t like what he’s doing at this particular moment.”
He added with a smile, “But India and the United States have a special relationship. There’s nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
Prime Minister Modi responded the next day, expressing appreciation for Trump’s sentiments. He said, “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties.”
Modi also highlighted the strategic nature of the relationship, stating, “India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
The recent exchanges between the two leaders suggest a willingness to move past recent difficulties and work toward strengthening bilateral ties. However, as Jairam Ramesh’s comments underscore, questions remain about the underlying dynamics and whether the relationship can truly be considered “natural” amid ongoing geopolitical and trade challenges.
As negotiations continue, both sides appear committed to finding common ground. Modi’s optimism and Trump’s softened tone may pave the way for renewed cooperation, but the complexities of the India-US relationship will likely require sustained effort and transparency to fully realize the “limitless potential” both leaders envision.