Why Did PM Modi-Trump Call On June 17 Turn Tense? NYT Report Claims US President Cancels India Visit
The relationship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, once hailed as a cornerstone of Indo-US ties, has taken a sharp downturn following a contentious phone call on June 17, 2025. A New York Times report, published on August 30, 2025, revealed that the call, intended to address bilateral issues, turned tense due to disagreements over Trump’s claims of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire. This fallout reportedly led Trump to cancel a planned visit to India for the Quad Summit later in 2025, signaling a significant strain in relations. This blog explores the reasons behind the tense call, the cancellation of Trump’s visit, and the broader implications for India-US ties, drawing on recent reports and public sentiment.
The June 17 Phone Call: What Went Wrong?
The 35-minute phone call on June 17, 2025, occurred as Trump was returning from a G7 Summit in Canada, where a planned bilateral meeting with Modi was canceled due to Trump’s early departure amid the Iran-Israel conflict. According to the New York Times, the call became heated when Trump reiterated his claim that he had “solved” a four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Trump boasted that his mediation averted a nuclear war and even claimed Pakistan had nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize, an honor he has been openly pursuing.
Modi, however, firmly rejected Trump’s narrative, stating that the ceasefire was negotiated directly between India and Pakistan through existing military channels at Pakistan’s request. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s statement on June 18 emphasized that “at no point was there any discussion on an India-US trade deal or any proposal for US mediation between India and Pakistan.” Modi’s insistence that India does not accept third-party mediation in its disputes with Pakistan clashed with Trump’s self-proclaimed role as a peacemaker, leading to a significant rift.
The New York Times reported that Indian officials were wary of Trump’s tendency to misrepresent conversations on social media platforms like Truth Social. This concern was heightened by Trump’s invitation for Modi to stop over in Washington alongside Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir, which Modi declined, suspecting a potential photo-op to bolster Trump’s image. The call marked the last direct communication between the two leaders, with Modi reportedly refusing at least four subsequent calls from Trump, as noted by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and corroborated by the NYT.
Trump’s Cancelled India Visit
The fallout from the June call had immediate repercussions. Trump had initially committed to visiting India for the Quad Summit later in 2025, a key platform for Indo-Pacific cooperation involving the US, India, Japan, and Australia. However, the New York Times, citing sources familiar with Trump’s schedule, reported that he no longer plans to attend, a decision seen as a snub amid deteriorating ties. This cancellation follows a series of US actions perceived as hostile by India:
- Tariffs on Indian Goods: In July 2025, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports, followed by an additional 25% “penalty” tariff effective August 27, 2025, citing India’s purchase of Russian oil. The total 50% tariff, one of the highest among US trading partners, has strained India’s $86 billion export market to the US.
- Immigration Policies: Trump’s crackdown on H-1B and student visas, affecting Indian professionals and students (who constitute one in four foreign students in the US), has further soured relations. Stephen Miller, a key Trump advisor, has highlighted concerns about undocumented Indian immigrants, adding to the tension.
In India, Trump’s actions have fueled perceptions of “gundagardi” (bullying), with public sentiment turning against him. A giant Trump effigy was paraded in Maharashtra with signs labeling him a “backstabber,” reflecting national humiliation over his policies and claims.
The Bigger Picture: A Clash of Egos and Policies
The Modi-Trump fallout underscores deeper issues in India-US relations:
- Personalized Leadership Styles: Both leaders, known for their populist and strongman personas, have historically leveraged their “bromance” for political gain. However, as analyst Sanjaya Baru noted, “When you have two leaders who have converted what is essentially a relationship between nations into a relationship between individual leaders, this is the price we pay.” Trump’s ego-driven diplomacy clashed with Modi’s need to maintain his image as a steadfast leader who rejects foreign mediation.
- Trade and Geopolitical Tensions: Trump’s “America First” policies, including tariffs and visa restrictions, conflict with Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which seeks to attract US firms to India. Additionally, Trump’s tilt toward Pakistan, including hosting its army chief and announcing an oil exploration deal, has irritated India, given the history of conflict between the two neighbors.
- Russian Oil Dispute: The US tariffs targeting India’s 36% oil imports from Russia have been labeled “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable” by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. India argues that its energy imports are driven by market factors to ensure energy security for its 1.4 billion people, a stance shared by other nations but singled out by Trump.
The opposition in India has seized on the rift, portraying Modi’s friendship with Trump as a liability, with critics like Rahul Gandhi claiming Modi halted military strikes after a supposed Trump ultimatum, further damaging his strongman image.
Public and Global Reactions
Public sentiment in India, as reflected on platforms like X, shows frustration with both Trump’s actions and Modi’s handling of the situation. Posts criticize Trump’s “showy, deal-driven style” and urge Modi to adopt a more tactful approach, as seen in European leaders’ dealings with Trump. Analysts like John Bolton have warned that Trump’s hostility risks pushing India closer to China and Russia, especially as Modi prepares to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China in late August 2025.
Globally, the strain in India-US ties has raised concerns about the Indo-Pacific strategy, with India’s role as a counterbalance to China potentially weakened. The New York Times noted that the “nuance” in US-India relations, cultivated since the Clinton era, is fading under Trump’s transactional approach, as highlighted by Dr. Aparna Pande of the Hudson Institute.
Implications for India-US Relations
The tense June 17 call and Trump’s cancelled visit mark a low point in India-US ties, once described as the “most consequential relationship of the 21st century.” Key implications include:
- Strategic Setback: The cancellation of Trump’s Quad Summit visit undermines India’s leadership in the Indo-Pacific, especially as it hosts the summit in 2025.
- Economic Challenges: The 50% tariffs threaten India’s export-driven growth, with Modi facing a delicate balancing act to protect farmers and businesses without escalating tensions.
- Geopolitical Realignment: India’s strategic pivot toward China, evidenced by Modi’s upcoming visit, suggests a recalibration of foreign policy to counter US pressure.
Conclusion
The June 17, 2025, phone call between PM Modi and President Trump turned tense due to clashing narratives over the India-Pakistan ceasefire, exposing the fragility of their personal rapport. Trump’s subsequent cancellation of his India visit for the Quad Summit, coupled with punitive tariffs and visa crackdowns, has plunged India-US relations into uncertainty. As Modi navigates domestic backlash and geopolitical challenges, the episode underscores the need for diplomacy that prioritizes national interests over personal egos. With India’s global stature at stake, the path forward requires tactful engagement to restore balance in this critical partnership.
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