India, Sept. 7 -- President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "great Prime Minister" and described India-US relations as experiencing a "momentary hiccup" on Friday, saying there was "nothing to worry about" in the bilateral relationship.

The remarks represent a notable shift in tone for Trump, who just one day earlier said that America had "lost" India and Russia to China, while members of his administration separately amped up the rhetoric against New Delhi.

Asked specifically about his social media post referencing losing "India and Russia to deepest, darkest China," Trump replied: "I don't think we have [lost India]. I've been very disappointed that India would be buying so much oil.from Russia. And I let them know ...