Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly refused to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has attempted to call him at least four times in recent weeks, according to sources who spoke with Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The news was also reported by media outlets including India Today and Russia’s Sputnik news agency.
The Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung suggested that the refusal stems from Modi’s dissatisfaction with the U.S. imposition of tariffs on Indian goods and Trump’s prior remarks calling India a “dead economy.” Modi’s decision is believed to be rooted in both “deep anger” and “careful consideration.” Neither India nor the U.S. has officially commented on the reports.
This development follows a series of escalating trade tensions. On August 6, President Trump signed an executive order citing India’s “direct or indirect importation of Russian oil” as a reason to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian products. This came after a July 31 order that levied a 25% tariff on Indian goods effective August 7, bringing the total tariff rate to 50%. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on August 25 that the 50% tariffs would take effect on August 27. India has condemned the tariffs as “unfair, unjust, and unreasonable,” vowing to “take all necessary actions” to protect its national interests.
On August 2, Modi had stated that India “will become the world’s third-largest economy” and encouraged citizens to buy and promote domestic products. Indian media reported that this was an indirect response to Trump’s earlier tariff announcement and his “dead economy” comment.