In a notable shift following a personal gesture to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump has reverted to his assertive stance on trade and international affairs. The shift comes just days after Trump sent Modi a framed photograph of the two leaders, accompanied by a handwritten message: “Mr Prime Minister, you are great!”
This period of apparent camaraderie was quickly followed by Trump’s resurgence of his claim that he successfully de-escalated a potential war between India and Pakistan in May. Speaking to reporters during a flight, Trump stated that his use of tariffs, including threats of 100% to 200% tariffs, was instrumental in settling the conflict within 24 hours. He asserted that such diplomatic leverage stems directly from imposing tariffs, which he believes bolster negotiating strength.
India, however, has maintained a measured but firm position, denying any third-party mediation played a role in its decisions regarding the ceasefire in Operation Sindoor, which was conducted in response to a terrorist attack. Trump’s repeated assertion of this claim has been a consistent theme, even as part of his unsuccessful bid for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Reports suggest that India’s reluctance to engage with Trump’s mediation claims may have influenced his decision to impose a 50% tariff, despite previously referring to PM Modi as a “great” and “personal” friend. This dynamic highlights the complex relationship between personal diplomacy and hard-nosed trade negotiations that characterizes the US-India relationship under Trump’s administration.
Adding to the complexities, Trump has also publicly linked India’s oil deals with Moscow to sanctions, and even imposed a significant fee on H-1B visas, a move that disproportionately affected Indian tech professionals. Throughout these developments, Prime Minister Modi has largely adopted a diplomatic approach, focusing on diplomatic progress and promoting indigenous goods.
The recent exchange, including Modi’s praise for Trump’s Gaza peace plan and the delivery of the personal photo, suggests a continued effort to maintain a personal connection amidst ongoing trade talks and geopolitical considerations. The US ambassador-designate’s visit to Modi, carrying the framed photo, underscores the importance placed on this bilateral relationship, even as policy disagreements persist.
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