Former US President Donald Trump has executed a dramatic reversal in his stance toward India, just days after expressing frustration over New Delhi's growing ties with China. The sudden U-turn comes amid escalating trade tensions and India's continued engagement with Russia and China at international forums.
From Sulking to Friendship: Trump's Remarkable Reversal
In a stunning shift of position, Donald Trump declared that he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi "will always be friends," completely reversing his earlier claims that the United States had "lost India to China." This dramatic turnaround occurred after Trump initially expressed disappointment with India's perceived pivot toward Beijing.
The former president's initial criticism focused on India's foreign policy direction, particularly its relationships with American rivals. However, within a short timeframe, Trump completely changed his tone, emphasizing the enduring friendship between the two leaders and suggesting a more positive outlook for bilateral relations.
Trade War Escalation and India's Defiance
Amid these diplomatic fluctuations, Trump declared what many are calling an economic war by imposing additional 25% tariffs. This aggressive move came as India refused to sever ties with Russia or stop purchasing Russian oil, despite mounting pressure from Washington.
India received a 24-hour ultimatum from Trump's camp demanding an immediate halt to Russian oil purchases. The former president's trade adviser expressed outrage as India continued to engage with both Putin and Xi Jinping at the SCO summit in a display of diplomatic bonhomie that apparently "flipped" America's tariff strategy.
Prime Minister Modi responded strongly to the economic pressure, criticizing what he termed "selfish economies" during his interactions at the SCO summit. His meetings with both Putin and Xi demonstrated India's commitment to maintaining independent foreign policy despite American objections.
Regional Developments and Broader Implications
While international diplomacy unfolded, significant domestic developments occurred across India. In Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi made his first visit following the Pahalgam attack, delivering a major declaration about Pakistan's assault on Kashmiriyat.
Tragedy struck in Sikkim where a landslide hit an Indian Army camp after the Teesta River swelled, resulting in three personnel killed and six others missing. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in difficult terrain.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor mocked Pakistan's Kashmir aspirations during a speech in Guyana, stating they "want something they don't have." His full speech provided a comprehensive overview of India's position on the Kashmir issue.
The convergence of these events paints a complex picture of India's current geopolitical positioning, balancing relationships with global powers while addressing domestic security concerns and natural disasters.
