'India won't be bullied for trade': What Doval told Rubio
What's the story
A recent Bloomberg report has revealed that India was willing to wait out United States President Donald Trump's term instead of accepting unfavorable trade terms. This was reportedly communicated during a private meeting between India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in September 2025. The meeting came amid rising tensions between the two nations, with the US imposing high tariffs on Indian exports and public criticism from Trump administration officials.
Diplomatic stance
Doval told Rubio India wouldn't be bullied by Trump
According to the report, Doval told Rubio that "India wouldn't be bullied by US President Donald Trump and his top aides and would be willing to wait out his term, having faced other hostile US administrations in the past." Officials who were familiar with the meeting also said that New Delhi urged Washington to tone down its public rhetoric if it wanted to restore normal relations between the two countries.
Meeting
Trump's public tone appeared to soften after meeting
Following the meeting, Trump's public tone seemed to soften and later that month, the US president called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him on his birthday. And last week, Trump announced that India and the US have agreed to a trade deal whereby the US will charge a reduced reciprocal tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. "They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States to ZERO."
Backchannel efforts
'Doval diplomacy' backchannel effort to de-escalate tensions
The Bloomberg report highlights what officials call "Doval diplomacy," a backchannel effort to de-escalate tensions while keeping negotiations alive. It also underlines India's broader strategy of strategic patience, indicating that New Delhi was willing to endure short-term friction rather than accept coercive terms. The trade deal with the US is expected to protect India's agriculture and dairy sectors, although detailed terms are yet to be released.
Domestic scrutiny
Joint statement expected this week
Speaking in Parliament, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said India has successfully safeguarded the interests of sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy, in the deal. "It was natural for each country to safeguard its sensitive sectors. India has been successful in protecting the interests of key sectors such as agriculture and dairy, while the US also secured protection for its sensitivities," he said. A joint statement on the trade deal is expected this week.