Reports from German and Japanese newspapers suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignored four phone calls from US President Donald Trump during a period of escalating trade tensions.
The reports, though not officially confirmed, highlight India’s stand on maintaining independence in foreign relations, particularly in the backdrop of Trump tariffs.
Trump, frustrated by Modi’s stance, has repeatedly brought up trade disagreements, portraying India as resistant to American pressure.
Indian officials have neither confirmed nor denied this, but clarified that Modi prefers not to settle sensitive issues over the phone.
Analysts also believe he avoided conversations to prevent misrepresentation, something New Delhi feels Trump has done before on the India-Pakistan conflict.
Trump has frequently exaggerated his role in stopping a supposed nuclear clash, making questionable claims about wars prevented and jets destroyed, which many observers dismiss as self promotion, that possibly turned off Modi's impression on Trump.
Former US security advisor John Bolton added that India feels unfairly targeted by Trump’s tariff threats while rivals like Russia and China face fewer penalties.
He warned that prolonged strain over these disputes could further damage the strategic partnership between India and USA, once hailed as the world’s most vital relationship.
