Thaw in ties? Trump meets India's lobbyist; hours after praise for PM Modi

Jason Miller, a political lobbyist hired by India, met US President Donald Trump at the White House, posting photos of their interaction on social media. The meeting comes as New Delhi and Washington are locked in disputes over tariffs and India’s purchase of Russian crude oil.

“Fantastic week in Washington with so many friends being in town, topped off of course by having the opportunity to stop in and see our President in-action! Keep up the great work, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump!” Miller wrote online.


India had contracted Miller’s firm, SHW Partners LLC, in April on a year-long lobbying and communications deal worth $1.8 million.


The outreach coincides with US-India relations facing their most difficult phase in two decades.

Yet the US president sought to strike a conciliatory note on Friday. “I will always be friends with Modi, he is a great prime minister, he's great. I'll always be friends but I just don’t like what he's doing at this particular moment,” Trump told reporters. “But India and the United States have a special relationship. There is nothing to worry about.”

Trump said that he was “very disappointed” by India’s decision to keep buying Russian oil, but shrugged off suggestions of a lasting rift. His remarks came after a social media post warning that the US had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China” following a summit between Modi, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded positively to Trump’s words, saying on X: “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”