U.S. President Donald Trump has canceled a planned visit to India for the upcoming Quad Summit, according to The New York Times, signaling a sharp downturn in relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump had earlier assured Modi of his attendance but now “no longer has plans to visit India in the fall.”
The cancellation coincides with a steep escalation in trade tensions. The Trump administration has imposed a staggering 50% tariff on Indian imports—combining a 25% reciprocal tariff with an additional 25% penalty tied to India’s continued Russian oil purchases.This move has severely strained the bilateral relationship, which was once lauded for its strategic depth.
Analysts interpret the visit cancellation as more than a scheduling shift—it reflects the unraveling rapport between two populist leaders. Trump’s claims of having personally mediated the India-Pakistan ceasefire, combined with the Nobel Prize comment that infuriated Modi, have added a personal dimension to the fracture.
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The ramifications extend beyond bilateral ties. The Quad Summit, a crucial Indo-Pacific strategic platform, now faces uncertainty. Observers warn that this schism undermines regional coordination and could push New Delhi closer to Beijing and Moscow.
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