According to a New York Times report, tensions grew between India and the US after Prime Minister Narendra Modi refused to back Donald Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize bid.
During a June 17 phone call, Trump asked Modi to support his nomination, claiming credit for easing India-Pakistan hostilities.
Modi dismissed Trump’s request, saying the ceasefire was a direct agreement between India and Pakistan, not mediated by the US. This refusal reportedly hurt Trump, who had been openly seeking recognition for his role.
In the weeks following the call, the US imposed heavy tariffs on India, 25% reciprocal duties and an extra 25% penalty for importing discounted oil from Russia. These moves pushed the total tariff burden to 50%.
The NYT report, based on conversations with officials from both countries, noted that relations soured further as the two leaders avoided further communication. Modi even declined Trump’s invitation to Washington after the G7 Summit in Canada.
The refusal came amid the concern that Trump might "try to force" a handshake between Indian PM and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir. A senior India official said that Trump cared very little about the complexity of India-Pakistan relations.
The leaders have not spoken since the phone call. Indian officials grew cautious of Trump’s unpredictable style, fearing he might publicize private talks.
Meanwhile, Trump grew frustrated over stalled trade negotiations. The report suggests that this breakdown in trust significantly weakened India-US ties.
