Trump-Modi phone call: From friendship to hostility

Former US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi once had a close relationship. But a phone call in June 2019 began to strain that relationship. Later, it turned into a public rift.

In the phone call, Trump repeatedly claimed that he had played a role in easing military tensions between India and Pakistan. He even said that Pakistan was nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Considering his efforts honorable, Trump indicated that India should also support him.

But Modi made it clear that the US had no role in the recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The issue was resolved directly by the two countries. Trump was reluctant to accept this statement. This is where the distance between the two leaders began.

Although he once called Trump a 'true friend', Modi became angry after this incident. A few days later, the Trump administration imposed tariffs of 25 to 50 percent on Indian products. As a result, the ongoing trade talks also collapsed.

Trump initially announced that he would participate in the Quad summit in India. But later he cancelled the visit. This decision further increased New Delhi's discontent. Some quarters in India have even called Trump a 'national disgrace'. A huge effigy of him was made at a festival in Maharashtra and written on it - 'Backstabber'.

The New York Times reported that about 20 officials from Washington and New Delhi spoke about this. According to them, Trump's desire to receive the Nobel Prize and his involvement with Pakistan angered Modi. And from there, the tension in the relationship between the two leaders began.

Both Trump and Modi are proponents of populist politics. Both are arrogant and self-centered in nature. According to analysts, this tendency of theirs has played a major role in the deterioration of mutual relations.