A student of Gurukul school of Art completed artwork of U.S President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, in Mumbai, India, Friday, Aug 1, 2025.
The once-flourishing friendship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump is showing signs of serious strain. Their warm hugs and mutual praise at stadium rallies now seem like distant memories.
What once appeared to be a deep and personal bond has turned into a complex, uneasy diplomatic equation. Several recent developments—including sharp trade disagreements, tensions over oil imports from Russia, and Trump’s comments on Pakistan—have created deep rifts in the US-India relationship.
Tariff Troubles Rock Trade Ties
The latest trouble started when Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods. He cited India’s continued oil trade with Russia as the reason. This penalty is likely to impact multiple sectors of India’s economy.
Trump also called India’s economy “dead” on social media, fueling discontent in New Delhi. According to White House insiders, Trump is frustrated with slow trade negotiations. While there’s no official strategy to realign with Pakistan, Trump’s approach seems to be hardball diplomacy.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump accused India of buying large quantities of Russian oil and reselling it for profit. He claimed India showed no concern for Ukraine’s suffering. These comments were made in a fiery post on Truth Social.
Years of Diplomatic Effort at Risk
Experts warn that Trump's rhetoric could undo decades of strategic cooperation. Ashok Malik, a former advisor in India’s foreign ministry, noted the damage caused by impulsive comments and social media statements.
He highlighted that India’s proposed trade deal with the US is the most extensive in its history. It includes potential access to sensitive sectors like agriculture—a politically delicate topic for Modi, especially after widespread farmer protests.
A Shift Towards Pakistan Raises Alarm
India is equally concerned about Trump’s apparent warming toward Pakistan. In recent months, Trump has praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and announced a major oil exploration deal with Islamabad.
This follows Trump’s controversial statements on Kashmir. He claimed credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan during a tense military exchange in May. Modi’s government rejected these claims, calling the Kashmir issue an internal matter.
India has consistently opposed any foreign mediation on Kashmir. Trump’s repeated assertions of involvement stirred unease in New Delhi, especially as Modi has positioned himself as a tough leader against Pakistan.
Oil Trade with Russia Sparks US Anger
India’s oil purchases from Russia have been another major sticking point. Despite pressure from the Biden administration to scale back imports during the Ukraine conflict, India ramped up buying and became the second-largest buyer after China.
Trump’s latest remarks revived old tensions. White House officials, including Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war efforts through these purchases.
India, however, defended its position. Officials said the decision to buy Russian oil was driven by necessity after Europe diverted global supply lines following the Ukraine invasion.
India Calls Trump’s Remarks Unfair
India’s initial reaction to Trump’s tariff threats was measured. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized ongoing efforts toward a balanced trade agreement.
But as criticism intensified, India pushed back more forcefully. The Ministry of External Affairs called Trump’s comments “unjustified and unreasonable.” It vowed to protect India’s national interests and economic security.
India also pointed out the hypocrisy of the situation. “The very nations criticizing India are themselves engaged in trade with Russia,” the ministry stated.
A Friendship on Fragile Ground
Experts like Sreeram Sundar Chaulia believe Trump’s praise for Pakistan has "soured" the mood in India. He warns that if the US continues energy and financial deals with Pakistan, confidence in the US-India strategic partnership could erode further.
Still, given Trump’s unpredictable political style, some believe this diplomatic cold front may be temporary. The relationship could bounce back as quickly as it cooled.
But for now, the once-glowing Modi-Trump friendship has hit a turbulent phase—raising questions about the future of one of the world’s most vital strategic partnerships.
