In a surprising shift of tone, US President Donald Trump has signalled a thaw in the recently frosty relations between the US and India. Writing on Truth Social, Trump expressed optimism about the future of India-US trade relations, saying he looked forward to “a successful conclusion” to ongoing trade negotiations and a conversation with his “very good friend,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This conciliatory gesture follows weeks of heightened tensions, with Trump and his officials, particularly trade advisor Peter Navarro, levelling sharp criticism against India on multiple fronts , from trade barriers and energy policy to strategic alignment with Russia and China. Trump’s latest message appears to be an attempt to recalibrate this deteriorating relationship, which has been strained by both rhetoric and policy over the past few months.
India’s diplomacy of restraint and resolve
India’s response to Trump’s volatile diplomacy has been noteworthy. While resisting coercive tactics, India has continued to safeguard its national interests. It refused to halt Russian oil imports, a key element of its energy security strategy, and did not capitulate to demands on agricultural and dairy market access. Simultaneously, India avoided escalating tensions, showing political maturity, never resorting to the kind of personal attacks or political dramatics that characterised several statements of Trump and his officials.
In fact, Modi’s participation in the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a subtle but clear message that India is willing to explore multilateral forums beyond the West if needed, and will not be arm-twisted into policy decisions that compromise its strategic autonomy.
This quiet but firm approach seems to have borne fruit. Trump’s softer rhetoric is likely a response not only to diplomatic pressure but also to the realisation that alienating India, a rising global power, a key Indo-Pacific player, and a counterbalance to China, could be a strategic misstep.
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The seeming thaw in India-US ties is a significant development given Trump’s recent actions. His administration has escalated tariffs on Indian goods to 50% and discontinued negotiations after accusing India of exploiting trade loopholes. Trump also made inflammatory claims that he had prevented an India-Pakistan war by threatening India with tariffs, assertions that were widely debunked and denied by Indian officials. Additionally, Trump singled out India for continuing to buy discounted Russian oil, even though other major global powers, including the European Union and China, have been larger buyers.
