E.M. Forster considered friendship to be one of the most significant aspects of life. He once made a provocative remark that if he had to choose between betraying his friends or his country, he would choose to betray his country. In A Passage to India, the novel explores different facets of friendship, with the term "friend" frequently appearing throughout. When we first meet Dr. Aziz along with his friends Hamidullah and Mahmoud Ali, they are engaged in a discussion about whether Indians and the British can truly be friends. Hamidullah, who is friendly and laid-back, fondly recalls a past friendship with a British family. Upon meeting Mrs. Moore at the mosque, Dr. Aziz feels that she could become a friend. He also wishes to befriend Cyril Fielding, whom he sees as a compassionate and understanding Englishman. Yet, despite his usual impulsive nature, Aziz realizes that "a single meeting is too short to make a friend."

Aziz has an unusual friendship with Professor Godbole. While he likes Godbole, he finds him difficult to comprehend. Godbole is sociable but often vague and preoccupied. When Fielding informs him of Aziz's arrest, Godbole seems indifferent and instead seeks advice on naming a school he plans to establish. Nonetheless, Fielding observes that "all [Godbole's] friends trusted him, without knowing why."

Among the British characters, Fielding is notably adept at forming friendships. Initially, Mrs. Moore feels a sense of camaraderie with Aziz, but she loses interest in friendship—and life itself—after losing her faith at the Marabar Caves. For other British characters, a sense of duty usually takes precedence over friendship. Although Ronny knew Adela back in England, he finds it challenging to sustain their relationship in India. Through their actions and words, Anglo-Indian officials like Ronny, Mr. Turton, and Mr. McBryde demonstrate that while they may engage with Indians on a superficial level, true friendship is neither possible nor desirable for them.

The novel concludes with a conversation between Aziz and Fielding about the viability of their friendship—a theme introduced in their first interaction. Aziz claims they cannot be friends until the English leave India. Fielding responds that he wants to be friends and believes Aziz wants the same. However, the final paragraph suggests that the impersonal forces in India currently prevent such a friendship.