How Trump Erratic Blamed for Stressing U.S.–India Ties
On July 30, 2025, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian imports, effective August 1, citing India’s trade barriers and alignment with Russia
Trump threatened additional sanctions on India for its energy and defense cooperation with Russia
Despite pressure, India reaffirmed its intent to continue buying Russian oil, focusing on economic and logistical considerations over external threats
While the Modi–Trump personal rapport appeared strong, substantive agreements remained elusive and tensions simmered beneath the surface
Reports from diplomats and analysts note declining trust, with allies hedging and moving toward regional alternatives amid inconsistent U.S. engagement
Bilateral trade negotiations collapsed, while India pursued defense and economic ties with other global partners like Japan and Vietnam
Despite diplomatic friction, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed confidence in the long‑term resilience of Indo‑U.S. ties