PM Modi refused Trump's calls 4 times in recent weeks: German newspaper

US President Donald Trump reportedly attempted to call Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi four times in recent weeks, but Modi refused all calls, according to German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). The newspaper noted that the refusals reflected both Modi’s anger and caution amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

The phone attempts came after the US administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, the highest for any country besides Brazil. Additional US measures targeted India for purchasing crude oil from Russia. These actions contributed to a growing strain in Indo-US relations, which have been cultivated over the past 25 years.

FAZ reported that Modi’s approach was influenced by Trump’s previous trade negotiations, including a case with Vietnam where Trump announced deals publicly before formal agreements. “The fact that the Indian still refuses to talk demonstrates the depth of his anger, but also his caution,” the German newspaper stated. Experts noted that Modi aims to maintain India’s economic interests while managing diplomatic relations.

Tensions were further heightened by Trump’s claims of securing a ceasefire in the May India-Pakistan conflict, his Trump-branded luxury towers in India, and hosting Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, in the US. FAZ noted that these moves were perceived in India as provocative, contributing to Modi’s decision to avoid direct engagement with Trump.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi last spoke to Trump on June 17. The discussion covered counter-terrorism and Operation Sindoor, with India clarifying that “at no point during this entire sequence of events was there any discussion, at any level, on an India-US Trade Deal, or any proposal for a mediation by the US between India and Pakistan.” India emphasized that the ceasefire was agreed bilaterally with Pakistan at Pakistan’s request