India-US relations took a sharp downturn after a crucial phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then US President Donald Trump. According to a recent New York Times report, the tension began on June 17, when Trump claimed credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan. He even mentioned the possibility of a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for his efforts.
The Root of the Dispute
Modi quickly pushed back, stating that the ceasefire was arranged directly by New Delhi and Islamabad without US intervention. This disagreement did not remain private. It soon escalated into broader trade and diplomatic issues. The US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian goods, and trade talks between the two countries stalled.
Long-Term Impact
Fresh irritants emerged around visas and deportations, making the relationship even more complicated. The fallout from that phone call led both India and the US to keep their distance in subsequent months. What started as a disagreement over a ceasefire claim turned into a series of economic and diplomatic setbacks.
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