White House: Trump Holds ‘Great Respect’ for PM Modi, Shares Warm Ties with India
Washington: The White House on Tuesday said that US President Donald Trump holds “great respect” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and maintains regular communication with him, underscoring the strength of India–US relations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, responding to a question on bilateral ties, said President Trump “feels very positive and strongly” about the partnership with India. “I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently,” she said.
Leavitt also cited last month’s Diwali celebration at the White House and the appointment of Sergio Gor as the next US Ambassador to India as examples of Trump’s continued commitment to strengthening the relationship.
“A few weeks ago, the President spoke directly with Prime Minister Modi while celebrating Diwali in the Oval Office alongside several senior Indian American officials. We now have a great ambassador in Mr Sergio Gor, who will represent our country very well,” she added.
On October 21, Trump hosted a special Diwali event at the White House, calling Prime Minister Modi “a great person” and expressing his admiration for “the people of India.” The event was attended by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, Sergio Gor, FBI Director Kash Patel, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and prominent Indian American business leaders.
During the celebration, Trump lit a traditional diya in the Oval Office, describing it as “a symbol of faith in the victory of light over darkness” and extending his “warmest wishes to the people of India.”
On the trade front, Leavitt confirmed that President Trump and his team are engaged in “serious discussions” with their Indian counterparts. “The President and his trade team continue to be in very serious discussions with India on that topic,” she said.
