In international politics, the phrase “best friend” does not carry the same meaning as it does in personal relationships. Heads of state often refer to one another as “my friend” or “my good friend” as part of diplomatic language. But the real question behind such expressions is this: does that friendship bring equal benefits to both countries, or does it primarily advance the interests of one country alone?

Donald Trump has referred to Narendra Modi as his “good friend” on many occasions. From the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston in 2019 to the “Namaste Trump” rally in Ahmedabad in 2020, the two leaders publicly displayed their personal rapport. However, in international politics, smiles, hugs, and public praise are one thing; national interests are another.

During his first term as President, Trump imposed tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum products. He also withdrew India’s trade benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). He repeatedly described India as a “tariff king.” After returning to office, he continued to pursue his “America First” policy and warned of higher duties on Indian products. Naturally, critics raised a question: if the friendship is so strong, why has India not received special exemptions?

The same question arose regarding H-1B visas. When stricter regulations affected Indian IT professionals working in the United States, concerns were expressed among India’s middle-class communities. Yet the Indian government chose diplomacy rather than open confrontation. Supporters described this as “mature foreign policy,” while critics viewed it as “excessive silence.”

The situation regarding Iran became even more interesting. At one time, India imported a significant portion of its oil requirements from Iran. Following U.S. sanctions, those purchases almost completely stopped. Some experts argued that this reduced the diversity of India’s energy sources. On the other hand, the government considered it a necessary compromise to preserve strategic relations with the United States.

The Chabahar Port project is another issue frequently discussed. India invested heavily in this project to establish trade links with Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. Concerns were raised that U.S. sanctions could affect the project. Critics saw it as a test of India’s independent foreign policy. Although the government did not completely abandon the project, many believe its progress has not matched expectations.

India’s relationship with Russia presents an interesting contrast. After the Ukraine war, the United States and Western countries increased pressure on Russia. Yet India significantly expanded its purchases of discounted Russian oil. This suggests that it would be inaccurate to claim that India has surrendered to American pressure on every issue. At the same time, it cannot be denied that U.S. pressure often remains a factor in the background.

One of the strongest criticisms of the Trump-Modi relationship is that personal rapport is sometimes projected more prominently than national interests. International media have occasionally highlighted this issue. While Trump publicly praised Modi, he simultaneously continued to criticize India’s trade policies, tariffs, and immigration-related positions. As a result, critics argued that “praise is free, but policy decisions continue to serve American interests.”

The real question, therefore, is not why Trump praises Modi. The more important question is what tangible benefits those compliments have brought to India. Praise from a foreign leader is not, by itself, a measure of national prestige. National interests, economic gains, strategic autonomy, and the welfare of citizens are the true benchmarks.

History shows that American presidents have consistently prioritized the interests of the United States. Trump has done the same. Modi, too, says that he is working for India’s interests. But to what extent have those interests actually been achieved? What have been the gains and losses for India from its close relationship with the United States? These are questions that deserve continuous debate in a democracy.

Ultimately, the important issue is not that Trump calls Modi his “best friend.” The real question is whether India is receiving equal respect and equal benefits in its relationship with the United States. Equality between nations is more important than friendship between individuals. National interests matter more than compliments. No matter how much political leaders praise one another, the question that citizens will continue to ask is simple: what concrete benefits has that friendship brought to the country?