‘Will Act If Video Is Genuine’: MEA on Trump’s Modi Remark
Spokesperson says he has not seen clip, reaffirms India–US trade framework understanding
- MEA says it has not verified video of Trump’s remarks on PM Modi
- Assures appropriate action if clip is found genuine
- Reiterates India–Russia ties remain strong
- Says US fact sheet changes reflect shared trade understanding
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Feb: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said it had not verified a video in which US President Donald Trump was heard saying he did not want to “destroy” Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political career, and added that appropriate action would be taken if the clip was found to be genuine.
Responding to questions at his weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said he had not seen the video.
“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,” he said.
The remarks came after a resurfaced clip from a press conference involving Trump showed him praising the Prime Minister, calling him “a great man” and saying he “loves Trump,” while also cautioning against interpreting the word “love” differently.
Addressing questions on India’s ties with Russia, Jaiswal said bilateral engagement continued across multiple sectors.
“Russia and India have ongoing engagement and cooperation across a range of issues—from trade to people-to-people cultural interaction, defence engagement, and other ties. All these aspects of our bilateral relations will continue to grow,” he said.
On the India–US interim trade agreement, the spokesperson said the joint statement issued on February 7 remained the basis of mutual understanding between the two countries.
“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 February 7, 2026. The joint statement is the framework and remains the basis of our mutual understanding. Both sides will now work towards implementing this framework and finalising the interim agreement,” Jaiswal said.
He added that the amendments in the White House fact sheet reflected the shared understandings contained in the joint statement, amid reports highlighting changes in the US document.
