In a stunning diplomatic reversal, former US President Donald Trump has performed a complete U-turn on his stance towards India, just days after expressing frustration over New Delhi's foreign policy moves. This shift follows a series of tense developments involving trade tariffs, India's engagement with Russia and China, and the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
From 'Sulking' to Sudden Friendship: Trump's Remarkable Shift
The drama began when Donald Trump publicly voiced his displeasure, suggesting that the United States had "lost India to China." This comment, interpreted as a critique of India's strategic autonomy and its dealings with Beijing, set the stage for a potential rift. However, in a swift and unexpected turnaround, Trump later declared, "Modi & I will always be friends," seeking to recalibrate the narrative.
This rhetorical flip-flop occurred against the backdrop of significant geopolitical activity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the SCO summit, where he engaged with leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, was viewed critically by some Trump allies. The perceived bonhomie at the summit, described as a "Putin-Modi-Xi SCO bonhomie," reportedly triggered anger within Trump's camp, flipping the US's calculated tariff gambit on its head.
The Tariff Ultimatum and India's Defiant Stance
Amidst this, the Trump administration escalated economic pressure. Reports indicate that Trump 'declared war' by slapping an additional 25% tariffs on certain goods, a move directly linked to India's refusal to snub Moscow and reject Russian oil. Trump's trade adviser reportedly raged at the situation, labeling it a "SHAME." The US reportedly issued a sharp 24-hour ultimatum to Delhi, demanding it "Stop buying now, or..." face consequences, a demand that visibly angered Trump.
India's response, as articulated by PM Modi at the SCO, was a firm rebuke of "selfish economies" and protectionist policies, seen as a direct retort to Trump's tariff threats. New Delhi's continued defiance in purchasing Russian oil, a crucial element for its energy security, became the central flashpoint in this economic standoff.
Broader Regional Context and Domestic Developments
While the US-India tensions played out, significant events unfolded domestically. In a major declaration during his first visit to Jammu & Kashmir after the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi asserted that "Pakistan attacked Kashmiriyat." This statement reinforced India's position on cross-border terrorism.
Tragedy struck in Sikkim, where a landslide hit an Indian Army camp after the River Teesta swelled. The incident resulted in three personnel killed and six missing, highlighting the challenges faced by security forces beyond conflict zones.
On the diplomatic front, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor mocked Pakistan's stance on Kashmir during an address in Guyana, stating they "want something they don't have," underscoring India's consistent diplomatic counter to Pakistan's narrative. Concurrently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov declared that President Putin would not meet Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, shocking Trump and adding another layer to the complex global power play intersecting with India's foreign policy.
The confluence of these events paints a picture of a India navigating a multipolar world with assertive independence. Trump's U-turn, while easing immediate rhetorical friction, underscores the underlying tensions between Washington's demands and Delhi's strategic imperatives, particularly regarding relations with Russia and China. The episode highlights the delicate balance India must maintain as global alliances shift and economic coercion becomes a tool of statecraft.
