Reports Claim Modi Ignored Trump’s Calls Amid Tariff Standoff

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Two major publications have reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined multiple calls from U.S. President Donald Trump in recent weeks, signaling the depth of tensions in a relationship once touted as unusually close.

For years, Trump and Modi were often described as political allies, with Indian citizens cheering Trump’s reelection because he was seen as a friend of the Prime Minister. That warmth, however, appears to have cooled sharply.

Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), citing unnamed sources, reported that Modi refused to take four phone calls from Trump against the backdrop of a worsening tariff dispute. The paper said the move reflected not only Modi’s anger but also his caution in dealing with the U.S. president.

Japan’s Nikkei Asia made similar claims, saying Modi’s reluctance to engage was fueling Trump’s frustration.

Relations soured after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 percent, the highest rate imposed on any U.S. trade partner outside Brazil. Modi has responded by vowing not to compromise on the interests of India’s farmers, a key political constituency.

According to FAZ, Modi’s silence underscores how insulted he felt by Washington’s approach. Nikkei Asia added that Trump’s “deal-driven style” of diplomacy has become a further irritant in New Delhi.

Indian perceptions of Trump, once positive, have shifted amid his repeated claims since May that U.S. mediation helped prevent escalation between India and Pakistan — assertions New Delhi flatly rejects. His remarks about strengthening ties with Islamabad have added to the strain. (with NDTV inputs)