US President Donald Trump on Wednesday described India-US defence ties as strong, saying the relationship between the two countries remains robust despite the absence of a formal defence pact.
Speaking on bilateral security cooperation, Trump said the United States would stand by India if it came under attack. "I think it is a great relationship... We don't have a contract...but if they were attacked, we'd be there to help them," he said during a joint briefing with the US President.Separately, Trump also praised PM Modi's contribution to strengthening economic ties between the two countries, highlighting India's investments in the United States.Lauding the scale of Indian commercial footprints in the American market, Trump observed,"Prime Minister Modi is building a lot in the United States. He is spending a lot of money in the US," Trump said.He also underscored his personal rapport with the Indian Prime Minister, saying, "I just want to say he has been my friend for a long time. It's great to be with you. Thank you very much."The two leaders last met in person at the White House in February 2025, shortly after Donald Trump's second inauguration. However, relations later came under strain following Trump's decision to impose tariffs on India and his subsequent claim that he had helped end the India-Pakistan conflict last year after Operation Sindoor.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he added that Washington would be there to support India under his leadership, before joking that the situation might be different under a future leader."If anybody attacks that man, we're going to be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure," he said. "If they are attacked and he (PM Modi) is the leader, we are going to be there to help," Trump added.
Source: Network18


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