Modi’s India takes on Trump more openly, from ‘terrorism’ to tariffs — SkimNews
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- India has adopted a more openly critical stance toward the U.S., with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar condemning Washington's 'self-centered' trade policies and lack of support on terrorism concerns.
- S Jaishankar stated that U.S. trade actions have created 'bumps' in the relationship, noting India faces a potential 100 percent tariff on exports if it continues buying Russian oil, a measure set to take effect in less than a month.
- Jaishankar emphasized that India’s agricultural sector cannot rapidly open to U.S. demands due to structural differences in production and society, complicating ongoing trade negotiations despite a near-agreement roadmap.
- India took offense at Trump’s repeated claims that he brokered a ceasefire during its 2025 conflict with Pakistan, viewing it as unacceptable third-party interference in a bilateral issue involving Kashmir.
- Pakistan has strengthened ties with the U.S. after praising Trump and nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize, deepening New Delhi’s frustration over Washington’s perceived tilt toward its rival.
- Domestic pressure on Modi is rising ahead of key state elections, with critics accusing his government of yielding too easily to U.S. pressure, prompting a shift toward public pushback.
Why it matters: India’s shift from quiet diplomacy to public confrontation risks derailing trade progress with the U.S., especially as a looming 100 percent tariff threatens economic ties, while Modi faces growing political costs at home for appearing deferential to Trump. This hardening stance reflects a broader recalibration driven by tangible policy clashes, not just rhetoric.
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