Frankfurter Allgemeine, a German newspaper, has reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined multiple phone calls from former US President Donald Trump in recent weeks. The newspaper suggests that this decision stemmed from Modi’s strong feelings and strategic considerations concerning the US-India trade relationship.
The reported attempts by Trump to contact Modi occurred after the US initiated significant trade actions against India, including imposing 50% tariffs, the highest rate applied to any nation apart from Brazil, and penalizing India for importing Russian crude oil.
Trump’s public comments, such as his statement on July 31, further exacerbated the situation: “I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together.” Modi responded on August 10, emphasizing India’s economic growth trajectory and aspirations to become one of the world’s top three economies.
Frankfurter Allgemeine pointed out that Modi’s actions reflect both his anger and his strategic caution. The paper highlighted Modi’s desire to avoid a situation similar to the one where Trump previously claimed a trade agreement had been reached before a deal was finalized.
The last recorded conversation between the two leaders was on June 17, at Trump’s request. The conversation, lasting about 35 minutes, covered topics related to the attack and Operation Sindoor. During this call, Modi clarified that there were no discussions about an India-US trade deal, nor was there any discussion of US mediation between India and Pakistan.