Trump's public embarrassment of Indian Prime Minister Modi leads to Modi seeking alliances with Putin and Xi
In a significant diplomatic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited China, marking his first trip in seven years and the first since the deadly clashes between the two militaries in May 2020. This visit comes amidst a complex history between the two leaders, particularly with former US President Donald Trump.
During Trump's presidency, relations between the two leaders became strained, primarily due to trade issues. Modi reportedly ignored multiple phone calls from Trump as disputes escalated, including tariffs and strategic differences. Trump's negative approach contributed to a cooling of relations, with tensions reaching a peak in May 2021, when Modi was allegedly humiliated following a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan.
However, the relationship was not always fraught with tension. During the Cold War, India was traditionally aligned with the Soviet Union, while the US favoured arch-rival Pakistan. This dynamic shifted over the years, and India and the US have since developed a stronger relationship.
One of the most notable moments in the relationship between Modi and Trump was the "Namaste Trump" event, held in Ahmedabad in 2020, where over 100,000 people attended. Despite this, the relationship soured, with Trump imposing an extra 25% tariff on India for buying discounted Russian crude oil, raising the total duties to 50%, one of the highest in the world.
The US government justified the tariff as a national security concern, citing it as a fuel for the war in Ukraine and applying aggressive economic leverage. In response, Peter Navarro, Trump's trade adviser, suggested that India could secure a 25% discount on Russian oil if it stopped buying it. However, this did not seem to have a significant impact on India's oil imports, as Russian crude accounted for just 3% of India's imports in 2021 but rose to about 40% by 2024, making Moscow the country's largest supplier.
Navarro's comments were not limited to trade issues. He once described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as "Modi's war," a statement that raised eyebrows in both India and the US. Despite these remarks, Navarro also stated that the road to peace runs, at least partly, through New Delhi.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for bringing peace to the region and even nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize. This contrasts sharply with the strained relationship between Modi and Trump, which remains a topic of interest as the SCO meeting and bilaterals between Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin approach.
As the world watches, the future of India-US relations remains uncertain, with the past serving as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that can arise in international diplomacy.
Read also:
- Impact of Alcohol on the Human Body: Nine Aspects of Health Alteration Due to Alcohol Consumption
- Understanding the Concept of Obesity
- Lu Shiow-yen's Challenging Position as Chair of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Under Scrutiny in Donovan's Analysis
- Tough choices on August 13, 2025 for those born under Aquarius? Consider the advantages and disadvantages to gain guidance
