New Delhi, Sep 6 (NationPress) Jawed Ashraf, the former Indian Ambassador to France and Monaco, expressed his approval of US President Donald Trump's recent commendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, labeling it as "a highly encouraging development" and "an initial step towards alleviating tensions" in the bilateral relationship.

Trump referred to PM Modi as "a remarkable Prime Minister" and "a friend," even amidst existing strains between India and the US over tariff disputes and India's acquisition of oil from Russia. He also affirmed that he would "always maintain friendship with PM Modi."

In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Ashraf highlighted the importance of Trump's tone and its broader diplomatic ramifications.

"This represents a very positive development. In recent weeks, President Trump has employed harsh language and a critical tone regarding the relationship. However, he has consistently recognized his positive rapport with PM Modi and his leadership. The tone of his latest statements is notably uplifting," Ashraf remarked.

"PM Modi also sent forth a very constructive message. This signifies an initial move towards cooling the tensions between the two nations," he elaborated.

The former envoy also observed that Trump notably avoided referencing India-Pakistan matters during his recent comments—topics he has often approached controversially in the past.

"We've noticed a shift. Trump did not mention India-Pakistan or his alleged involvement in any ceasefire discussions, unlike in the past. This suggests a movement towards de-escalation," Ashraf noted.

Emphasizing India’s steady diplomatic stance, he continued, "India has upheld a non-confrontational strategy. We have not engaged in a war of words with President Trump or his administration. We’ve remained firm on our boundaries, especially regarding trade, sensitive sectors, and our sovereign choices on global partnerships."

Ashraf stressed India's policy of strategic autonomy, clarifying that the country’s relationships with global powers like Russia, China, or the US are not mutually exclusive.

Commenting on the recent SCO Summit and viral images of PM Modi with Presidents Putin and Xi Jinping, he stated: "Those visuals raised concerns in the US. They worried about compromising ties with both India and Russia. But for us, the principle remains clear: alliances with one country should not undermine another. This strategy has served us well, even during challenging periods."