The once-cordial relations between India and the US have shown signs of strain recently. A significant claim has emerged via a report from the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine (FAZ), concerning interactions between PM Modi and Trump. According to the report, US President Donald Trump attempted to engage Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in conversation by phone at least four times over recent weeks, yet Modi declined each time. However, governmental sources have dismissed this report.
The newspaper suggested that these incidents reflect both Modi's anger and his prudence. Trump's attempts to communicate coincided with his administration imposing a 50% tariff on India, a levy matched only by that on Brazil.
The warmth between the US and India, long nurtured over 25 years, began to cool as Trump criticized India's trade surplus. Additionally, America imposed penalties on India for purchasing crude oil from Russia.
Berlin-based Global Public Policy Institute co-founder Thorsten Benner shared the German newspaper's report on social media platform X, highlighting, “FAZ claims Trump made four attempts to phone Modi in recent weeks, but Modi refused to answer.”
Source: aajtak
Trump's Provocative Statement on India's Economy
US President Donald Trump recently described India's economy as 'dead'. On July 31, he remarked about India's engagements with Russia, expressing indifference, suggesting they might 'sink with their dead economy'.
In a measured response on August 10, PM Modi, without naming Trump, asserted India's promising journey towards its position among the top three global economies. The German newspaper inferred that Modi was indeed irked by Trump's remarks.
The report additionally noted that Trump has frequently utilized other nations' dependency on American markets to his advantage. Yet, during Trump's first term, Modi maintained India's economic interests without succumbing, despite maintaining an amiable relationship with Trump.
The True Reasons Behind the Unanswered Calls
FAZ highlighted the surprising aspect of Trump persistently trying to reach Modi. The report stated, “The fact that the Indian PM remains unyielding highlights not just his anger but his vigilance.”
The newspaper explored the rationale behind this cautious approach.
Trump previously expedited a US-Vietnam trade agreement via a single phone call with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, bypassing extensive negotiations.
A premature social media proclamation by Trump about the trade agreement's conclusion underscored Modi's wariness to avoid a similar entanglement.
'The Decline of the American Strategy'
The co-director of the India-China Institute at the New School in New York, Mark Frazer, shared insights, stating India harbors no intention to oppose China in alignment with the US.
Mark Frazer observed, “The American strategy is faltering. The 'Indo-Pacific' concept, where India was envisioned as a pivotal counter to China's influence under American guidance, is collapsing.”
The newspaper also highlighted controversies surrounding Trump's developmental projects in India. The Trump family’s company constructed luxury towers near Delhi, branded with Trump's name. These towers boasted 300 apartments, priced up to 12 million Euros, and sold out on the opening day in May.
The Strain in US-India Relations Worsened by Trump’s Statements
Tensions were further inflamed when Trump claimed that his efforts alone enabled the recent ceasefire in the military conflict between India and Pakistan, which displeased the Indian side.
The report stated, “Trump announced a collaborative initiative with Pakistan to develop oil reserves, which India would purchase from its longstanding adversary, worsening the situation.”
It continued, “Even Trump's hosting of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir for dinner at the Oval Office was perceived as a provocative gesture by India.”
Is Trump's Policy Bringing India and China Closer?
According to the report, the old tensions in India are subsiding. Since a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year, PM Modi acknowledged an enhanced mutual respect.
This week, PM Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Questions arise as to whether Trump’s policies are nudging India nearer to China.
Frazer suggests, “India is more reliant on China, not the other way around. This stance is not merely a reaction to US tariffs but a strategic realignment. As the US retreats, India and China's interests align. Both nations seek global influence and industrial growth. For China, India is vital, amplifying its economic and political clout.”
The Last Modi-Trump Phone Call on June 17
According to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), PM Modi spoke with the US President at Trump's request on June 17. A meeting between the two at the G7 summit in Canada was set, but Trump returned to the US early.
On June 18, the MEA released a statement: “Following President Trump's request, the two leaders spoke over the phone on 17 July. Their conversation lasted about 35 minutes. Trump extended his condolences regarding the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed support against terrorism.”
The statement continued, “This was the first interaction following the Pahalgam incident and Operation Sindhur. PM Modi elaborated on Operation Sindhur to President Trump.”
India Dismisses Trump's Ceasefire Claims Repeatedly
Trump asserted that his mediation and trade propositions led to the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May after days of military conflict. India, however, consistently refuted this claim.
The MEA remarked on the 17 June dialogue, stating, “Prime Minister Modi clarified to President Trump that no discussion occurred regarding a US-brokered trade agreement or mediation offer between India and Pakistan during the entire occurrence.”
The statement added, “Discussions to halt military actions were a direct negotiation between India and Pakistan, initiated at Pakistan’s behest. PM Modi firmly declared India's non-acceptance of, nor future consideration for, mediation, a stance united in Indian political consensus.”
