U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to reach Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding trade issues have gone unanswered, reflecting India’s resistance to U.S. tariff pressures and a shift in global relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump has made several attempts to contact Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning ongoing trade disputes, but Modi has not responded, according to a report published Tuesday in the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).
FAZ, which was founded in 1949 and is considered one of Germany’s most influential newspapers, is known for its center-right, liberal-conservative editorial stance. The publication is often referred to as a “newspaper of record,” and it is widely read by policymakers, business leaders, and diplomats both in Germany and internationally. Its reporting is typically aimed at decision-makers rather than a mass audience.
The report indicates that Trump, who has successfully pressured other nations into concessions through tariffs, is encountering a more formidable opponent in India. While he has previously praised Modi as a “great leader” and posed for photographs with him, the tone from Washington has shifted due to India’s reluctance to comply with U.S. demands.
According to the report, Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on India if New Delhi does not grant greater market access for American agricultural products. Despite this pressure, India appears resolute in resisting these demands. FAZ notes that the Indian government is determined not to repeat past experiences where Trump’s negotiating tactics left India at a disadvantage.
The report highlights India’s sensitivity to being treated in what it perceives as an “imperial” manner, a sentiment shaped by its colonial history. As such, India is unwilling to be seen as subordinate to Washington.
At the time of publication, India’s Ministry of External Affairs had not confirmed Trump’s calls. However, in recent weeks, Modi has publicly stated on multiple occasions that he is aware of the potential personal costs of his stance but remains committed to protecting the interests of farmers, the dairy industry, and small and medium enterprises.
On Sunday, The Sunday Guardian published an article detailing how India’s policy establishment has entered “battle mode” to manage increasing pressure from Washington. The article emphasized the coordination among the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Commerce in crafting a deliberate pushback against U.S. demands. It also noted that India is quietly strengthening its ties with partners such as Russia and China, creating alternative channels to mitigate U.S. influence.
FAZ echoed this sentiment, observing that the breakdown of trust with the U.S. is prompting India to seek closer cooperation with other global powers, including China. This shift signals a recalibration of New Delhi’s external relations.
The report warns that a significant portion of India’s exports to the U.S., including clothing, precious stones, and automotive parts, is at stake in this evolving situation.
Experts suggest that the combination of these reports illustrates a clear pattern: India is not only resisting U.S. tariff pressures but is also actively repositioning itself within the global order, indicating that it will not be rushed or coerced into making concessions.
Source: Original article