US President Donald Trump reportedly attempted to reach out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on four separate occasions in recent weeks, but all of his calls went unanswered, according to a report, which cited Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The German newspaper, drawing on insider sources, suggested that Modi’s lack of response reflects the irritation he felt following Trump’s earlier actions and statements regarding India.
Earlier this year, Trump had taken steps that reportedly shocked India, including imposing 25% tariffs on Indian goods and publicly referring to India as a “dead economy.” These actions, according to the report, appear to have left Modi feeling insulted, contributing to his reluctance to engage in direct phone conversations with the US president.
The German paper further noted that Modi’s reaction highlights the growing sensitivity in India regarding its bilateral dealings with Washington, particularly in light of Trump’s approach to the region.
The report also highlighted a broader shift in India’s perception of Trump. His comments about strengthening ties with Pakistan have reportedly affected how he is viewed in New Delhi, creating additional diplomatic friction.
The situation illustrates the delicate balance India is trying to maintain in its foreign policy, seeking to foster strong relations with the United States while managing its own strategic and economic priorities in South Asia.
This development comes against the backdrop of ongoing India-US trade negotiations. Both countries have been working toward a large-scale trade agreement since February, following Modi’s visit to Washington.
The ambitious goal of the negotiations is to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion annually by 2030. While India’s delegation has made multiple trips to Washington for discussions, a planned visit by a US delegation to India for the sixth round of talks, scheduled for August 25, was reportedly canceled.
The sequence of events underscores the challenges facing the bilateral relationship. While both countries continue to pursue closer economic ties and enhanced cooperation, recent tensions—ranging from tariffs to Trump’s statements on Pakistan—have complicated the diplomatic landscape.
Modi’s decision not to respond to Trump’s calls appears to signal a combination of personal and strategic considerations, reflecting India’s cautious approach to managing its engagement with the US president amid ongoing negotiations and regional sensitivities.
