The once-celebrated camaraderie between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has soured, with a Bloomberg report revealing how a single phone call may have accelerated the rift.
According to the report, a 35-minute conversation on June 17 changed the tone of US-India relations, eventually leading to Trump’s harsh public criticism of India and the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian exports.
The report claims that during the call, Trump invited Modi to visit the White House. However, Indian officials said Modi declined, fearing the US leader might orchestrate a photo opportunity with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Indian officials viewed such a meeting as legitimizing Pakistan’s military, which New Delhi accuses of supporting cross-border terrorism. After Modi’s refusal, Trump’s tone reportedly shifted, with public remarks branding India’s economy “dead” and accusing it of “obnoxious trade barriers.”
Weeks later, Trump announced sweeping tariffs on Indian goods — a move described by analysts as the “final nail in the coffin” for their warm personal rapport. While the US cited trade imbalances and India’s purchase of Russian oil as reasons, Indian officials believe the diplomatic chill began with that June call.
Despite the tensions, the White House maintains that India remains a strategic partner, with State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott stating that dialogue will continue, even if both sides cannot “align 100% on everything.”
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