Published on: September 1, 2025 1:42 AM
US President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel his much-hyped visit to India has exposed widening cracks in Washington-New Delhi ties, with multiple factors contributing to the sudden move. Diplomatic observers say the first major irritant was a sharpening trade war between the two countries. Washington had repeatedly accused India of unfair trade practices, while New Delhi retaliated with counter-tariffs. Tensions spiked after Trump imposed duties on India over its purchase of discounted Russian oil, despite US sanctions pressure. Analysts also point to Trump’s controversial claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which drew sharp criticism from New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently denied third-party involvement in the Kashmir dispute, was reported to have conveyed strong displeasure to Washington. Another reported flashpoint was Trump’s pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, which he expected Modi to endorse in the wake of his claims about mediating South Asia tensions.
