New Delhi: In a dramatic twist to global diplomacy, Donald Trump has canceled his much-anticipated trip to India for the 2025 Quad Summit. The move comes at a time when relations between Washington and New Delhi are showing visible cracks, coinciding with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit where India is cozying up to China and Russia.
What Went Wrong?
According to reports, the chill in ties began after a tense phone call between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year. Trump’s controversial claim that he “brokered peace” between India and Pakistan did not sit well with New Delhi. Adding fuel to the fire, PM Modi reportedly refused to back Trump’s push for a Nobel Peace Prize, creating further strain.
Tariffs & Tensions
The Trump administration recently slapped steep tariffs—some as high as 50%—on Indian imports, punishing India for continuing to buy discounted oil from Russia. India hit back, defending its right to secure affordable energy. This has left the relationship at its frostiest in years.
India Looks Elsewhere
While Trump pulls away, India is strengthening ties with Russia and China. At the SCO summit, Modi doubled down on energy deals with Moscow, while Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin emphasized a united non-Western front. The optics couldn’t be clearer—New Delhi is signaling its strategic independence, even if it rattles Washington.
Why It Matters
The canceled visit casts doubt on the future of the Quad Summit, a grouping meant to counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. For India, the move highlights the tricky balancing act of keeping Western partnerships alive while maintaining old ties with Russia and exploring cooperation with China.
One thing is certain: the U.S.–India relationship has entered one of its chilliest phases in recent memory.
FAQs
Q1: Why did Donald Trump cancel his India visit?
Trump canceled his India visit due to growing tensions over tariffs, energy deals with Russia, and disagreements with PM Modi on key issues.
Q2: What role did the SCO Summit play in this decision?
At the SCO Summit, India strengthened ties with Russia and China, signaling a shift in focus, which further strained relations with the U.S.
Q3: How do tariffs factor into the dispute?
Trump imposed heavy tariffs—up to 50%—on Indian imports, punishing India for buying discounted Russian oil, worsening the diplomatic rift.
Q4: What does this mean for the Quad Summit?
With Trump pulling out, the future of the Quad—a key security alliance in the Indo-Pacific—is now uncertain.
Q5: Are India–U.S. ties weakening permanently?
While the relationship has hit a rough patch, India is likely to continue balancing ties with both the U.S. and its traditional partners like Russia.
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