In global affairs, you often foresee the beginning but never the end.
India never imagined that as America’s “natural ally,” it would become Washington’s target. Yet Trump has now plunged three knives into India – and the nation’s fury is ablaze. Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces mounting pressure.
🔪 Knife 1: Rewriting History
Trump recycled his claim that he halted India-Pakistan hostilities. This particularly infuriates New Delhi, which insists Pakistan initiated the ceasefire call. By taking credit, Trump implies India yielded to U.S. pressure – “stealing Modi’s glory,” as Indian commentators put it.
Worse, Trump “revealed”: “Five fighter jets were shot down… five, five, four or five. I believe five actually.” He’s the first world leader to cite this number – and as U.S. President! Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi immediately demanded: “Modi, what’s the truth about the five jets? The nation has a right to know!”
🔪 Knife 2: The Tariff Guillotine
On July 30, Trump declared: *”Though India’s an old friend, we have a massive trade deficit. India’s non-monetary trade barriers are the world’s strictest and most offensive. Plus, they buy Russian arms and energy with China. So from August 1, India pays 25% tariffs – plus penalties.”*
The message:
- “You’re duplicitous, ‘friend.’”
- “25% tariffs – take it or leave it.”
- “Russian weapons/oil? Penalties apply.”
Indians reeled. Social media flooded with a viral clip of Modi introducing Trump years ago: “Ladies and gentlemen, my friend, India’s friend, the great U.S. President!”
Indians now rage:
“Modi campaigned for Trump.
Modi chanted ‘Abki baar, Trump sarkar’ (This time, Trump in power).
He hugged him like a long-lost brother.
In return? Crushing tariffs.
This is a foreign policy disaster. A nation suffers for one man’s ‘friendship.’”
Former diplomat Rajiv Dogra fired back: “India isn’t a small state… Don’t bully us with trade threats.” He warned Apple’s India-made iPhones could make tariffs counterproductive.
🔪 Knife 3: The Pakistan Gambit
Then came the cruelest cut: contrast.
Trump announced: “The U.S. and Pakistan struck a deal to develop Pakistan’s oil reserves. We’re picking oil firms to lead this. Who knows? Maybe they’ll sell oil to India someday!”
Translation:
- While hammering India, we cozy up to Pakistan.
- We’re exploiting Pakistan’s oil.
- That oil might fuel India – adding insult to injury.
Indians exploded. The humiliation was unprecedented. Online, Modi is slammed as “all talk, no results” against Trump. Calls grow for India to “defend sovereignty” and “make Trump taste our iron fist.”
Why the U-Turn?
Months ago, Modi and Trump embraced. Now they brawl. Why?
- Trump’s trade deficit obsession: Any imbalance is an “unforgivable enemy.”
- Maximum pressure tactics: Squeeze until surrender. India – proud “world’s largest democracy” – believed its strategic value shielded it. Trump disagrees: No concessions? Then eat tariffs.
- India’s misplaced confidence: The EU bowed to Trump’s “economic colonialism.” Canada got tariff hikes and jokes about becoming “the 51st state.” Who does India think it is? Especially after blocking Trump’s “Nobel Peace Prize” narrative on Kashmir.
Modi’s Dilemma
As the Hindi meme “Modi Lao Xian, fa li wu bian” (Modi the Immortal, boundless power) implies, Modi’s political magic now faces its sternest test.
The government says it’s “studying the impact” and will “take all measures to protect farmers, entrepreneurs, and SMEs.” But choices are grim:
- Submit? Corporate India bleeds.
- Fight? Modi’s resolve faces ultimate trial.
Two Men Sweating
- U.S. VP Vance: As India’s son-in-law (his wife is Indian-American), his warm Delhi visit now looks foolish. Trump couldn’t care less.
- Modi: During parliament debates, Rahul Gandhi taunted: “If you had half of Indira Gandhi’s courage, you’d call Trump a liar!” The house roared. Modi said nothing – just took a long gulp of water, eyes burning with lethal intensity.