India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that it has not yet reviewed the video clip in which US President Donald Trump allegedly made remarks concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political career. The MEA clarified that appropriate steps would be taken after verifying the authenticity of the statement.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed the issue on Thursday, saying that the government has not seen the purported video. He added that once the facts are established, necessary action would follow, depending on whether the claim is accurate or not.
The controversy stems from comments made by President Trump during an interaction with reporters at the White House in October. Trump reportedly described PM Modi as “a great man” and said that Modi “loves Trump.” He then clarified that the term “love” should not be misinterpreted, adding that he did not want to “destroy” Modi’s political career through any misunderstanding of his remarks.
The comments surfaced amid ongoing developments in India–US relations, particularly following the finalisation of a major trade agreement earlier this month after extended negotiations. A factsheet detailing the agreement was released last week, outlining the broad terms of cooperation between the two countries.
In a recent update, the United States revised certain portions of the official trade deal document. Notably, “pulses” were removed from a list of American products for which tariff reductions or eliminations were initially indicated. The updated document now states that India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on US industrial goods and several agricultural items, including dried distillers’ grains, red sorghum, tree nuts, fruits, soybean oil, wine, spirits, and other specified products.
India’s agriculture chapter of the agreement, however, confirms that pulses remain protected as a highly sensitive sector under an exemption category.
Another modification in the US factsheet concerns projected purchases. The revised version states that India “intends” to buy over $500 billion worth of American energy, information and communication technology products, coal, and related goods. Earlier language had suggested a more definitive commitment.
The joint statement issued previously also indicated India’s intent to purchase significant quantities of US energy products, aircraft components, technology items, precious metals, and coking coal over the next five years.
As diplomatic engagements continue, both nations appear focused on strengthening economic ties while managing political sensitivities surrounding public remarks and official communications.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
