India says it will take ‘appropriate action’ over Trump remarks on PM Modi

India reacts cautiously to Trump’s comments on Modi, affirms shared understanding on interim trade deal with the US

February 13, 2026

MEA spokesperson responds to resurfaced Trump video praising PM Modi, reiterates India–US trade framework and Russia engagement

MEA spokesperson responds to resurfaced video of Donald Trump praising Narendra Modi; clarifies position on India–US trade framework and Russia ties

India on Thursday said it would take “appropriate action” if required over remarks reportedly made by U.S. President Donald Trump concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Responding to questions during his weekly press briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said he had not seen the video clip in question.

“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,” Jaiswal stated.

The response followed the resurfacing of a clip from a press conference featuring Trump and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In the video, Trump praised PM Modi, describing him as “a great man” and saying that “he loves Trump,” while also cautioning against misinterpreting the word “love.”

“He’s a great man. Modi is a great man, that he loves Trump. Now, I don’t know if the word love, I don’t want you to take that any different. I don’t want to destroy his political career, but you have to understand, I’ve watched India for years. My friend has been there now for a long time,” Trump said in the clip.

India–Russia ties to continue

Addressing broader foreign policy issues, Jaiswal also spoke about India’s engagement with Russia, reiterating that bilateral cooperation spans multiple sectors.

“Russia–India have ongoing engagement and cooperation across a range of issues — from trade to people-to-people cultural interaction, defence engagement and all those ties. All those aspects of our bilateral relations will continue to grow,” he said.

Clarification on US trade factsheet

The MEA spokesperson also clarified India’s position regarding recent amendments to a U.S. factsheet on the framework for an interim trade agreement between the two countries.

Jaiswal emphasised that the White House document reflects “shared understandings” between India and the United States and does not alter the core framework agreed upon by both sides.

“As you are aware, the India–US Joint Statement on the framework for an Interim Agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade was issued on 7 February 2026. The Joint Statement is the framework and remains the basis of our mutual understanding in the matter. Both sides will now work towards implementing this framework and finalising the Interim Agreement,” he said.

“The amendments in the US fact sheet reflect the shared understandings contained in the Joint Statement,” Jaiswal added.

The clarification comes amid reports pointing to revisions in the U.S. document that had earlier appeared to diverge from the Indian version of the agreement.

India’s response signals a cautious but firm diplomatic approach, as New Delhi continues to balance bilateral relations with Washington while safeguarding its political and strategic interests.

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