MEA says it will take ‘appropriate action’ over Trump's viral video making remarks on PM Modi

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday addressed media queries regarding a video in which U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly said he “doesn't want to destroy Modi's political career.” The remarks were raised during the MEA’s weekly press briefing.

Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that he had not viewed the video being referred to.

“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 said when asked about the reported comments.

The clarification follows circulation of a resurfaced clip from Trump’s press conference with the Director of the FBI. In the video, Trump is heard praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and referring to their relationship.

“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 had said in the video.

During the briefing, Jaiswal also spoke about India’s bilateral relations with Russia, emphasizing the breadth of engagement between the two countries.

“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.

On the India-US interim trade agreement, Jaiswal addressed questions regarding amendments made in a United States factsheet outlining the framework for the deal. He clarified that the joint statement issued earlier remains the basis of understanding between the two 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,” Jaiswal said.

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

The clarification comes amid reports pointing to revisions in the US document, which earlier appeared to differ from the statement released by the Indian side.