India Challenges Trump More Openly Over Tariffs, Pakistan and Terrorism

India has adopted a more openly critical tone towards the administration of US President Donald Trump, as disagreements over trade, tariffs, terrorism, Pakistan and immigration continue to strain relations between the two countries.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar recently criticised Washington’s approach, saying the United States had not shown enough understanding of India’s concerns about terrorism and had adopted trade policies that have negatively affected countries in the Global South.

For years, India generally preferred to handle disagreements with the United States behind closed doors. However, analysts say growing tensions and increasing domestic pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government have pushed New Delhi to speak more publicly about its differences with Washington.

Trade tensions

Trade has become one of the major areas of disagreement. The United States was India’s largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral goods trade reaching about $149.1 billion. India recorded a goods trade surplus of approximately $58.4 billion.

Jaishankar argued that countries should avoid policies that focus solely on their own interests without considering the impact on other nations.

India and the United States have made progress towards a possible trade agreement, but negotiations have yet to produce a final deal. Agriculture remains one of the most difficult areas, with India seeking to protect its farmers and maintain restrictions on access to its agricultural market.

Tensions have also increased over US tariffs. Washington has introduced new trade measures and is preparing tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries such as India that purchase Russian oil.

Former Indian diplomat Ajay Bisaria described the proposed tariff as a major challenge for the bilateral relationship, saying it could place further pressure on efforts to reach a trade agreement.

Dispute over Pakistan and terrorism

Another major source of tension is Pakistan.

India and Pakistan fought a four-day conflict in May 2025 following an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. President Trump subsequently claimed that his administration had helped broker the ceasefire.

India has objected to Trump repeatedly taking credit for the ceasefire, maintaining that disputes involving Kashmir should be handled directly between India and Pakistan.

At the same time, Pakistan has developed closer ties with the Trump administration, with Pakistani leaders publicly praising the US president and nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

Jaishankar said terrorism remains one of India’s most important concerns and argued that Washington had not sufficiently appreciated the threat India says it faces from Pakistan.

Analysts say the US administration’s closer engagement with Islamabad has contributed to New Delhi’s decision to express its concerns more openly.

Domestic pressure on Modi

Domestic politics is also influencing India’s approach to Washington.

Indians have historically been among the largest beneficiaries of the US H-1B visa programme, which allows American companies to employ skilled foreign workers. However, the Trump administration has introduced measures that have increased costs and restrictions surrounding the programme.

Jaishankar said the growing tension between economic opportunities created by international mobility and domestic political opposition to immigration had become an important issue.

Analysts also say Modi faces growing political pressure ahead of important state elections expected next year. They argue that the Indian government may be increasingly reluctant to appear as though it is yielding to pressure from Washington.

India still seeks better relations

Despite the disagreements, analysts say India has not abandoned efforts to improve relations with the United States.

Chietigj Bajpaee of Chatham House said the deterioration in relations reflects broader tensions surrounding the Trump administration’s transactional approach to foreign policy rather than a complete breakdown in India-US ties.

He identified a bilateral trade agreement as a potential opportunity for the two countries to improve relations.

Modi also spoke with Trump by telephone on Wednesday, describing the conversation as “productive”.

The call came amid growing differences between the two countries, suggesting that while New Delhi is becoming more willing to publicly challenge Washington, both sides continue to maintain diplomatic engagement.

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