25 May,2026 10:23 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described India as one of America's closest partners during a surprise live video call to an event in New Delhi.
Trump said he was a "big fan" of Modi and assured continued support for India, highlighting the growing strategic and economic relationship between the two countries.
The US President joined an event in Delhi organised to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.
The gathering was attended by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, among other dignitaries.
During the call, Trump greeted the audience and praised Modi, saying, "I love the Prime Minister. PM Modi is great; he is my friend."
He also described India-US ties as stronger than ever before and said the partnership between the two countries continues to grow.
Addressing the audience during the interaction, Trump said India could rely on the United States for support whenever needed.
"We have never been closer to India, and India can count on me and our country 100 per cent," Trump said during the call.
The US President also spoke about the American economy and ongoing cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
"Anything India wants, they will get. I am a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi," he added.
Trump concluded his remarks by once again describing it as an honour to speak with Modi and the people of India.
Following the event, Ambassador Sergio Gor shared details of Trump's remarks on social media platform X.
According to Gor, Trump conveyed a clear message regarding the strength of ties between the two countries and his personal equation with Modi.
Gor also described the Delhi event as a celebration of freedom, innovation and the enduring partnership between India and the United States.
Trump's remarks came during Marco Rubio's four-day visit to India, which is being viewed as an important diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
During the visit, Rubio reportedly extended an invitation on behalf of Trump for Modi to visit the White House.
The visit comes at a crucial time for India-US relations as both countries attempt to deepen economic and strategic cooperation despite recent disagreements over tariffs and trade policies.
Speaking at a joint media briefing with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar earlier in the day, Rubio expressed optimism about the progress made in ongoing trade negotiations.
He said both countries were working towards a long-term trade agreement that would be beneficial and sustainable for both sides while addressing national interests.
(With inputs from Agencies)
