Overview
- President Donald Trump told CBS he warned India and Pakistan they would "not do any business with the United States" unless they de-escalated, asserting his trade leverage stopped a conflict he described as headed toward a nuclear exchange.
- India has consistently rejected U.S. credit for the pause in fighting, stating the four-day confrontation ended after Directors General of Military Operations from both countries reached an understanding.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Modi government, saying a once-promised U.S. trade deal has "become an ordeal" and noting Trump has repeated his version of events dozens of times; the party has pressed the prime minister to respond.
- U.S. actions this year include steep tariffs on Indian goods—reported at about 50% plus secondary duties tied to Russian oil purchases—and higher visa-related fees, moves experts say have chilled commercial confidence.
- Analysts warn trust in the U.S.–India partnership has eroded and could take years to rebuild even as both sides signed a 10-year framework to deepen the Major Defence Partnership.