Washington, D.C, USA: India and the United States share a “very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

On September 6, Modi responded directly to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that he “deeply values and fully reciprocates” Trump’s “favorable assessment” of the ties between the two nations, describing their relationship as “very positive and forward-looking.”

Modi’s statement came just hours after Trump tempered his previously critical tone toward India, affirming on September 5 that he “will always remain friends with Modi” and highlighting the “special bond” between India and the United States.

Earlier on September 5, Trump had expressed concern that India and Russia appeared to be “lost” to China following meetings between their leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping, reflecting his frustration with New Delhi and Moscow as Beijing promotes a new global order.

“Seems like India and Russia have slipped away to deepest, darkest China. Wishing them a long and prosperous future together!” Trump posted on social media, along with a photo of the three leaders at Xi’s summit in China.

However, later on the same day, Trump clarified to reporters that he did not believe the U.S. had lost India to China.

“I don’t think we have,” he said. “I’ve been disappointed that India is purchasing so much oil from Russia, as you know. I made that clear to them.”

Trump added, “I’ll always remain friends with Modi. He’s an excellent prime minister. Our friendship endures. I just disagree with some of his actions at this moment. But India and the United States have a unique and special relationship. There’s no cause for concern—sometimes we have our differences.”