Is Trump’s Ego Threatening India-US Relations?

New Delhi: Recent statements by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have injected fresh tension into India-US trade relations. In a podcast, Lutnick directly held India responsible for delays in finalizing a major trade deal, sparking a sharp diplomatic debate between the two nations and reigniting discussions on the sometimes warm, sometimes tense relationship between Washington and New Delhi.

Lutnick’s Remarks and the “C-Saw” Allegation
According to Lutnick, a trade agreement between India and the US was almost finalized, but India allegedly took the “wrong side of the seesaw” at the last moment. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should have called President Donald Trump, whom he described as the “ultimate closer” for trade deals. Lutnick’s remarks imply that India cannot expect consistency or predictability while dealing with the Trump administration. They also suggest that Modi’s decision not to call may have bruised Trump’s personal ego.

India Stands Firm on National Interests
While Lutnick cited deals with Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines as benchmarks, India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded cautiously, calling Lutnick’s claims “factually incorrect”. New Delhi reiterated its commitment to trade agreements but stressed that it will never compromise on national interests. Historically, India has consistently maintained an independent foreign policy, refusing to yield to external pressure—even in the face of US threats of heavy tariffs on Russian oil imports.

Growing Uncertainty in Bilateral Relations
The tension is not limited to trade. Trump’s recent statements regarding Modi, India’s purchase of Russian oil, and high tariffs have further added to uncertainty. Opposition parties in India have attempted to politicize these developments, alleging that the government is yielding to Trump. However, experts note that India has maintained its sovereign decision-making, rejecting US claims about mediating peace with Pakistan after Operation Sindur—an issue considered a key trigger for Washington’s punitive trade measures.

The Road Ahead: Diplomacy and Prudence
The real question is whether Trump’s personal ego is obstructing a critical trade deal. Analysts, including US investment bank Jefferies, suggest that Trump’s frustration stems not from Russian oil per se, but from India not giving him credit as a “peace broker.” Moving forward, India must brace for more such statements while adhering to its careful, measured diplomacy, keeping negotiation channels open but ensuring that national interests remain uncompromised.