Indian leader said to have skipped four attempts by Trump to connect, as tensions rise over trade and Pakistan policy
US President Donald Trump tried to reach out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi multiple times in recent weeks, but his calls went unanswered, according to a report by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, cited by The News.
The report suggests that Modi deliberately avoided four separate attempts by Trump to speak on the phone, signaling growing friction between the two leaders. “There are signs indicating that Modi felt insulted,” the newspaper wrote, noting that the Indian premier’s reluctance reflects his frustration over Washington’s recent actions.
Triggers for the Rift
Tensions reportedly escalated after Trump slapped India with 25% tariffs and labeled the country a “dead economy.” The paper also highlighted a sharp shift in India’s perception of Trump, particularly after his remarks about strengthening ties with Pakistan.
The changing dynamic comes at a critical time when India and the US have been negotiating a major trade agreement since February, following Modi’s high-profile visit to Washington. Both nations had set an ambitious target to boost annual trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Trade Talks in Limbo
The deal, initially expected to be finalized this fall, now appears uncertain. While Indian negotiators have made multiple trips to Washington for discussions, a planned visit by a US delegation for the sixth round of talks—scheduled for August 25—was cancelled without explanation.
