Indian PM Modi Reportedly Ignored US President Trump’s Calls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly declined several phone calls from U.S. President Donald Trump during a heated trade dispute, according to reports from international media outlets.

German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) said Modi refused to answer at least four calls in recent weeks, reflecting both his anger and caution over Washington’s moves. Japanese outlet Nikkei Asia echoed the claim, noting that Modi’s silence only added to Trump’s frustration.

A Tariff Standoff

Relations between New Delhi and Washington soured after Trump sharply increased tariffs on Indian exports, doubling them to 50 percent—among the highest in the world outside of Brazil. The U.S. also imposed extra duties on India’s imports of Russian crude oil.

In response, India signaled it would not yield to U.S. pressure. Modi reportedly stressed that he would “never compromise” on protecting India’s farmers and national interests.

FAZ suggested Modi felt personally insulted by Washington’s actions and that his refusal to take Trump’s calls underscored the depth of his irritation. Trump’s repeated statements about strengthening ties with Pakistan and his claims of mediating India-Pakistan tensions further strained trust in New Delhi.

A Changing Dynamic

For nearly two decades, India and the U.S. have worked to build a strategic partnership to counterbalance China. However, analysts warn that Trump’s tariff policies may be weakening this alignment.

Mark Frazier, quoted by FAZ, said the U.S. vision of India as a central player in its Indo-Pacific strategy “is falling apart.” Observers note that the strain is being welcomed in Beijing and Moscow, where leaders view cracks in the U.S.-India partnership as a strategic gain.