ISLAMABAD: A tense phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ceasefire between Pakistan and India has been reported as the catalyst behind the recent breakdown in relations between the two leaders, according to a Bloomberg report on Friday.
The phone call, which occurred on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada in June, lasted 35 minutes and marked a key point of tension between the two leaders. During the conversation, Modi reportedly emphasized that India did not seek US mediation in the ongoing Pakistan-India conflict, despite Trump’s repeated assertions that the US brokered the ceasefire after a four-day military clash between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in May.
Modi’s frustration stemmed from Trump’s insistence on taking credit for the ceasefire and the subsequent diplomatic tension arising from Trump hosting Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, at the White House. Modi’s aides saw the visit as a tacit endorsement of Pakistan’s military, which India accuses of supporting militant groups.
Following the phone call, India reportedly noticed a shift in the tone of the White House, with Trump publicly criticizing India, signaling a turning point in their relationship. Modi’s response was firm, reinforcing India’s stance on trade issues, particularly regarding agriculture.
The phone call also coincided with growing trade tensions. Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil, which exacerbated the strain on the already tense relationship. The trade dispute centers on India’s agricultural sector, with Trump pressing for access to India’s dairy and agricultural markets, a demand Modi has rejected due to domestic concerns.
Modi made it clear that India would not compromise on its agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of protecting its farmers, dairy producers, and fishermen. He further warned that he was willing to face personal consequences to uphold India’s interests.
As India braces for further challenges in its trade relations with the US, especially considering the country’s reliance on the US as its largest trading partner, this phone call is being seen as a key moment in their diplomatic history. The tensions between the two leaders could have long-lasting implications for their bilateral relationship, which has been increasingly marked by disagreements on several fronts.
The trade negotiations, combined with issues in the defense sector, could continue to shape US-India relations in the coming months, with India’s steadfast position on protecting its agriculture sector unlikely to yield in the face of US demands.
