The relationship between former US President Donald Trump and India has cooled considerably. Initially, the dynamic was positive, marked by events like the Howdy Modi rally and the Namaste Trump event. The shift in relations can be attributed to several key factors.
Trump repeatedly claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, even though India disputed his role. During a phone call with Prime Minister Modi during the G7 summit, Trump asserted his involvement in the ceasefire. Despite India’s clarification that the US was not involved, Trump continued to make this claim multiple times.
Trump was also displeased with India’s failure to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. During the same call, he expressed his expectation that India would nominate him, as other countries had. The lack of nomination caused friction.
Another point of contention was the absence of a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Modi at the G7 summit in Canada. While a meeting was initially anticipated, it did not occur. Modi declined Trump’s suggestion to transit through the US on his return, citing prior commitments. Additionally, Modi may have been wary of any potential attempt by Trump to arrange a meeting with the Pakistani Army Chief.
India’s stance on the Kashmir issue also played a role. Modi made it clear that India would not accept third-party mediation, directly contradicting Trump’s offers to mediate the issue. This was a significant divergence in viewpoints.
Following this phone call, Trump’s criticism of India intensified. He labeled India’s economy as stagnant and criticized its trade practices, subsequently imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The relationship has deteriorated to the point of a lack of further communication between the leaders.
The US also put pressure on India to lower tariffs on agricultural imports from the US. India, however, rejected these demands, prioritizing its domestic farmers and choosing not to lower tariffs. Trade negotiations were canceled and the US delegation was barred from entering Delhi.
Despite US sanctions, India continued to import Russian oil. The US responded by imposing a 50% tariff on Indian goods. The US has also urged European nations to impose tariffs on India, but the EU has remained silent.