• President Trump statement erupts criticism across India againt Prime Minister Modi, people calling it his foreign policy failure 

By The South Asia Times 

WASHINGTON/ NEW DELHI - In a shocking revelation at a House GOP Member Retreat, U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally requested a meeting with him. Trump described the interaction, saying, “Prime Minister Modi came to see me. Sir, may I see you, please? Yes."

Trump elaborated on the strained relations between the U.S. and India, citing Modi’s reluctance to address India’s oil dealings with Russia.

“They’re paying a lot of tariffs now because they’re not doing the oil, but they are. They’ve now reduced it very substantially, as you know, from Russia,” Trump said, adding that India had ordered 68 Apache helicopters from the U.S., which Modi wanted delivered ahead of schedule.

The disclosure has sparked a backlash in India, with critics accusing Modi of submitting to Trump’s demands. Indian social media users expressed their frustration, with many calling Modi “cowardly” for not confronting Trump’s public comments.

Mohit Chauhan, a prominent critic on X, stated, “Trump insults India every day, but Modi is so scared of him that he does not speak a single word in response. INDIA needs a strong and educated Prime Minister like Rahul Gandhi.”

Another user, Roshan Rai, remarked, "Trump: Modi came to see me, said: Sir, may I see you please? This man has single-handedly destroyed any aura Modi built in the last 10 years. Worst part is Modi doesn’t even have the guts to go public and refute him."

Supriya Hansda added, “This is what happens when foreign policy is built on photo-ops instead of institutional respect. Personal branding collapses the moment the other guy stops playing along.”

- Trump’s Earlier Comments on Modi and Trade Tariffs Stir Controversy

In the days leading up to his remarks, Trump had described Prime Minister Modi in a more favorable light, calling him a “good guy” while discussing the U.S.-India trade relationship. Trump said, “Modi knew I wasn’t happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade (with Russia), and we could raise tariffs on them very quickly, putting a 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil.”

The US president added that it was essential for Modi to “make me happy” as part of their ongoing trade negotiations.

Trump's remarks, however, have created a rift in India, with many criticizing Modi for his silence and calling it a "cowardly" act, claiming he is afraid of Trump.

Last year, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on imports from India, partly as a punishment for purchasing Russian oil. Earlier, Washington had already imposed a 25% baseline tariff on Indian goods.

Trump accused India of buying oil from Russia at a discounted rate and then selling it to other countries.

 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Adds Fuel to the Fire

Adding to the growing controversy, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham revealed that Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra had personally requested the removal of U.S. tariffs on India, which had been imposed in response to India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil.

Graham, speaking at plane alog with Trump, stated, “I was at the Indian ambassador’s house about a month ago, and all he wanted to talk about is how they're buying less Russian oil. Would you tell the president to relieve the tariff?”

Graham went on to praise Trump’s handling of the situation, stating, “What he did with India is the chief reason India is now buying substantially less Russian oil. I really do believe that it’s working, and I hope we break the bill up soon.”

Trump further commented on the matter, “They (India) wanted to make me happy. Basically, they knew I wasn’t happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade, and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly.”

- The Domestic and Diplomatic Fallout in India

The revelation that Modi had approached Trump for a meeting, combined with the public criticism of India’s oil trade practices, has sent shockwaves through Indian politics.

Critics argue that Modi’s willingness to appease Trump undermines India’s position as a global power and weakens the Prime Minister’s credibility.

Sarfaraz Nawaz Hussain, a prominent social media voice, stated, “This is really reaching a breaking point for many Indians. It’s fun to see the regime finally exposed for its bad foreign policy, but it’s damaging India massively, and it will be very hard to recover from this.”

Gaurav Kabra raised concerns over the lack of action by India’s diplomatic and lobbying institutions, writing, “What is India’s appointed lobby firms and influential diaspora even doing? Mocking the PM of a sovereign nation may look like ‘banter’ abroad, but it creates serious domestic and diplomatic consequences. Silence is no longer strategy.”

- Growing Tensions Between India and the U.S.

The fallout from Trump’s comments highlights growing tensions between India and the U.S. on trade, foreign policy, and the role of global leadership. As Modi continues to face criticism both at home and abroad, the diplomatic relationship between the two nations appears increasingly precarious.

While Trump’s statements have fueled public outrage in India, they have also exposed the complex dynamics of international trade and diplomacy, where personal relationships and economic interests often collide in unpredictable ways.