Modi avoided Trump's calls 4 times amid trade tensions: Report
What's the story
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoided four phone calls from United States President Donald Trump in recent weeks, according to a report by the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Tensions between the two countries remain high as Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods for purchasing Russian crude oil. The tariff came into effect on Wednesday. However, neither Washington nor New Delhi has confirmed or denied these reports.
Misrepresentation fears
Concern over misrepresentation during talks
The report suggested that this act was the result of the "depth of his [Modi's] anger, but also his caution," as the US President could misrepresent the outcome of their talks. Japan's Nikkei Asia has made similar claims, adding that PM Modi was avoiding Trump's calls, which is "heightening Trump's frustration." Modi's alleged move comes after Trump made unverified claims about averting a nuclear war between India and Pakistan through trade pressure, which were rejected by the Indian government.
Diplomatic snub
PM Modi also declined Trump's invitation to visit US
Earlier, PM Modi had also declined an invitation from Trump to visit Washington in late June. This was after the G20 summit in Canada, where the two leaders did not meet, as President Trump left early. The US President reportedly wanted PM Modi at the White House with Pakistan's Army chief General Asim Munir, which India objected to.
Controversial claims
Trump claimed he averted nuclear war between India, Pakistan
Trump has repeatedly claimed that he prevented a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan through trade. He alleged that India and Pakistan were two weeks away from a nuclear war, an assertion American analysts have called delusional. Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said India feels "deeply aggrieved" as it is the only country facing Trump's tariff and sanction threats while Russia and China face little pressure.