India Responds to Controversial Video of Trump's Comments on Modi Amid Trade Deal Announcement

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it would take “appropriate action" regarding a video purportedly showing US President Donald Trump making remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “I have not seen the video. But if indeed there is such a video, whether it is true or false, we will take appropriate action on it," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a media briefing. The controversy stems from comments Trump allegedly made earlier this week while speaking to reporters at the White House about his relationship with the Indian Prime Minister. “Modi is a great man. He loves Trump," the US President reportedly said in the video. He later clarified, “I don’t want you to take the word ‘love’ any differently. I don’t want to destroy his political career." The remarks come as Trump celebrated a so-called “historic" trade deal with India, highlighting plans to dramatically increase American coal exports to India and other trade partners. “And under our leadership, we’re becoming a massive energy exporter. In just the past few months, we’ve made historic trade deals with Japan, Korea, India, and others to increase our coal exports dramatically," Trump said. The India–US trade agreement marks a significant easing of bilateral tensions, reducing US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. Washington also cut its “reciprocal tariff" from 25% to 18% and eliminated a 25% punitive levy imposed in August 2025 over India’s purchase of Russian oil. Separately, the MEA confirmed that India received an invitation from the US to join Trump’s Board of Peace, initially part of his Gaza peace plan but later expanded in scope. “We are currently examining the proposal. As you know, India has consistently supported efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability, and dialogue in West Asia. Our Prime Minister has welcomed initiatives that provide a pathway towards long-term and sustainable peace in the region, including Gaza," MEA said.