The relationship between former US President Donald Trump and India is currently strained. This was not always the case; during Trump’s first term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Howdy Modi rally in Texas, followed by a grand welcome at the Namaste Trump event in Gujarat. However, the dynamic shifted during Trump’s second term, leading to friction between the two nations. The reasons for this shift are multifaceted.
One point of contention was Trump repeatedly taking credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire despite denials. According to reports, during a 35-minute phone conversation with PM Modi on June 17, Trump asserted that he was responsible for brokering the ceasefire. Modi clarified that the US played no role, yet Trump continued to make the claim over 40 times.
Another issue was Trump’s disappointment at not being nominated for a Nobel Prize. During the same phone call, Trump mentioned that Pakistan was considering nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize and hinted that India should do the same. India did not comply, and Trump expressed displeasure. He had previously been nominated by countries like Israel, Cambodia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
Additionally, a meeting between Modi and Trump did not materialize during the G7 summit in Canada. Trump left the summit early, and though a discussion was planned, it did not happen. Modi declined Trump’s suggestion to travel to India through the US, citing prior commitments. Reports suggested that Modi also suspected Trump might attempt to arrange a meeting between him and Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir.
The Kashmir issue also presented a challenge. Modi reiterated that India would not accept third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue. The former Foreign Secretary of India revealed that Trump had offered to mediate to resolve the Kashmir issue. This occurred after Trump previously expressed interest in mediating the situation.
Following the phone call, tensions escalated, with Trump criticizing India. He labeled India a ‘dead economy’ and disparaged Indian trade policies, subsequently announcing a 50% tariff on Indian goods. According to sources, there have been no further communications between the two leaders since this discussion.
Furthermore, the US was pushing India to open its market for American farming and dairy products. India rejected the US demand for reduced tariffs on agricultural products, prioritizing the interests of domestic farmers despite higher costs. Consequently, India canceled trade talks and blocked the US delegation from entering Delhi. The sixth round of negotiations under the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) was scheduled for August 25-29 but was halted after the fifth round failed in July due to disagreements over the import of American dairy products and GM crops.
Finally, India continues to purchase Russian oil despite US sanctions. The US imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods on August 27, with a 25% penalty because India was buying oil from Russia, which the US claimed was helping the war effort. India has maintained its stance, citing national interest. The US also wants European countries to impose tariffs on India, but the European Union (EU) has remained silent on the matter.
