New Delhi has adopted a markedly more vocal stance against the United States under President Donald Trump, with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar laying bare grievances over trade imbalances and what he described as insufficient American understanding of India’s security concerns regarding Pakistan.
Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York following the UN General Assembly, Jaishankar characterized the US as having been an “insensitive partner” on issues of terrorism and accused Washington of pursuing “self-centered” trade policies that disproportionately harm the Global South. The remarks signal a departure from decades of Indian diplomacy, which has typically kept bilateral disagreements with Washington private to preserve the relationship’s broad bipartisan support.
“Countries should not be so self-centred that you’re in your own world and take your decision and say, ‘Well, it was not my intention to make your life difficult,'” Jaishankar said, referencing both the economic spillover from conflicts in Iran and Ukraine and ongoing trade negotiations.
The shift in tone comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces increasing domestic criticism for perceived concessions to US pressure. In a recent phone call with Trump, Modi described the conversation as “productive,” a notably formal descriptor compared to his previous praise of the US president as a “good friend.”
Trade Frictions and Tariff Threats
Trade remains a central flashpoint. The US is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral goods trade reaching $149.1 billion in 2025, yet the relationship is skewed by a $58.4 billion surplus in favor of India. Negotiations have produced a roadmap for a deal but no final agreement, with India’s closed agricultural sector cited as a key obstacle.
Tensions escalated after Trump imposed sweeping tariffs before the US Supreme Court struck them down in February. The administration subsequently introduced a 10 percent global tariff and signed legislation allowing for duties of up to 100 percent on nations like India that purchase Russian oil. This latter penalty is set to take effect within a month and has been described by retired diplomat Ajay Bisaria as a potential “deal breaker.”
Modi calling Trump a ‘good friend’ one day and now this? The domestic political pressure in India must be intense right now.
The trade imbalance is huge, but demanding empathy on terrorism is completely valid. US policy has been one-sided.
Does anyone know if the Russian oil tariffs will actually hit before the month is out? That seems like a deal breaker.
I didn’t expect Jaishankar to be this vocal. It feels like a significant shift from traditional quiet diplomacy.
Finally, India is standing up for itself. This public criticism was long overdue and necessary.