According to a Bloomberg report, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined an invitation to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in June. The decision was reportedly made over concerns that he might come across Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during the visit.
Sources suggest that Modi’s refusal came at a time when U.S.-India relations were already tense. New Delhi was cautious about any possible high-level interaction between the two leaders that could happen at the White House, especially given the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan ties.
The report notes that relations between Washington and New Delhi have faced several challenges in recent months. Disagreements on trade, technology, and foreign policy have created friction between the two countries. These tensions reached a new peak when the United States announced a sharp increase in tariffs on Indian exports, raising them to 50 percent.
Analysts believe that Modi’s decision reflects both political caution and a desire to avoid any diplomatic situations that could be used by critics at home or abroad. While the U.S. and India remain strategic partners in areas such as defense and regional security, the current climate suggests a cooling period in their bilateral ties.
The development comes at a time when global alliances are shifting and both countries are navigating complex relationships with other major powers.Observers say it remains to be seen whether Washington and New Delhi will be able to ease these tensions in the coming months, particularly with major international events and trade negotiations on the horizon.
