According to a report by The New York Times, US-India relations have hit a new low after President Donald Trump canceled his upcoming visit to New Delhi for the Quad Summit. The decision highlights widening rifts between Washington and New Delhi over trade, tariffs, and foreign policy disputes.
Canceled Visit Fuels Speculation
President Trump had previously assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his participation in the Quad Summit in November. However, officials familiar with his schedule confirmed that “Trump no longer has plans to visit India in the fall.” The White House has not yet issued a formal statement, and Indian officials have remained silent, further fueling speculation about deteriorating ties.
Trade War and Punitive Tariffs
At the core of the friction are Washington’s heavy tariffs on Indian exports, which have impacted industries worth over $48 billion, including textiles, leather, and food products. The Trump administration also imposed a 25% tariff on India’s imports of Russian oil, which analysts believe was a punitive rather than a strategic move. Experts argue that the action uniquely targeted India instead of applying broader sanctions to all buyers of Russian hydrocarbons, raising questions about Washington’s motives.
Modi Angered by Ceasefire Claims
The strained relationship also stems from Trump’s repeated claims that he “solved” the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May. New Delhi flatly rejected these assertions, clarifying that the ceasefire was a direct agreement between the two neighbors without any US mediation. During a tense phone call on June 17, Trump reportedly told Modi that Pakistan was considering nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize and suggested that India should do the same. Modi allegedly bristled at the suggestion and reiterated that Washington had no role in ending the skirmish.
Quad Summit in Question
The Quad Summit in New Delhi was intended to bring together leaders from the US, Australia, Japan, and India. With Trump’s withdrawal, the future of the summit and the strength of the Indo-Pacific alliance are now in question. Despite the strained relations, Washington has invited Modi to the US. However, reports suggest the Indian leader has declined both the trip and a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Canada earlier this year.
