Laura Loomer, a far-right American activist known for her controversial statements and strict views on immigration, delivered a message from US President Donald Trump during the India Today Conclave 2026. Loomer, who is widely recognized as a loyal supporter of Trump, stated that the US President holds deep admiration for India and for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While addressing the gathering, she revealed that Trump also intends to visit India again in the near future.
Speaking at the event on Saturday, Loomer read out what she described as a personal message from Trump. According to her, the US President expressed strong affection for India and the Indian people and spoke warmly about his relationship with Prime Minister Modi. Loomer quoted Trump as saying that he greatly respects Modi and considers him both an outstanding leader and a personal friend. She further added that Trump had conveyed his intention to return to India for another visit sometime soon.
Loomer told the audience that she had spoken with Trump on the phone roughly an hour before her appearance at the conclave. During that conversation, she said, Trump asked her to convey his sentiments directly to the people of India. Recounting his words, Loomer explained that Trump wanted Indians to know that he loves the country, appreciates its people, and holds Prime Minister Modi in high regard. She quoted him as describing Modi as a “fantastic leader” and someone he considers a close friend. Trump also reportedly asked her to inform the audience that he hopes to visit India again in the near future.
The remarks also revived memories of Trump’s previous visit to India during his first term as President. In February 2020, Trump travelled to India on an official state visit, where he participated in the large-scale “Namaste Trump” event held in Ahmedabad alongside Prime Minister Modi. During that visit, the two leaders addressed a massive public gathering at the Narendra Modi Stadium and held bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. Trump also travelled to Delhi for official meetings and visited the historic Taj Mahal in Agra during the trip.
Loomer’s statements at the conclave came at a time when the Trump administration had recently announced a temporary policy decision concerning India’s energy purchases. Washington granted a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil cargoes that were already in transit at sea. This measure was designed to provide Indian refiners with limited flexibility in securing supplies during a period of global energy uncertainty.
Around the same time, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described India as a “very good actor” when it comes to complying with international sanctions related to Russian oil. While making this assessment, he also indicated that Washington was examining additional policy steps that might allow more sanctioned oil barrels to enter global markets under specific conditions.
In a related move, the United States also introduced a broader 30-day waiver permitting countries to purchase sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products. This step was intended to stabilise global energy markets, particularly after crude oil prices surged beyond 100 US dollars per barrel due to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The situation was further complicated by Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important oil transit routes in the world. Normally, around 20 to 25 percent of the world’s daily oil supply passes through this narrow maritime corridor. The strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it a crucial route for global energy shipments. Since the outbreak of the conflict on February 28, the waterway has effectively remained closed, causing significant disruptions to international oil supply chains.
To address the immediate shortage, the US Treasury Department issued a temporary license allowing the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that had already been loaded onto ships as of March 12. According to officials, the licence will remain valid until midnight Washington time on April 11.
Energy analysts estimate that the waiver could unlock access to roughly 124 to 125 million barrels of Russian-origin crude oil currently stranded at nearly thirty different locations around the world. Allowing these shipments to move forward could help ease short-term supply shortages caused by the disruption of shipping routes in the Gulf region.
The development comes amid ongoing economic negotiations between the United States and India. Previously, Washington had imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on certain Indian imports. This included an additional 25 percent tariff linked to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil despite Western sanctions.
After months of negotiations and diplomatic discussions, Trump announced in February that the two countries had reached a new trade agreement. Under the terms of the arrangement, tariffs on Indian imports would be reduced from 50 percent to approximately 18 percent. The agreement is expected to be formally signed later this year, marking another step in strengthening economic relations between the United States and India.
