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From Besties to Breakup: Why Trump & India Fell Out

TL;DR: Not long ago, Donald Trump and Narendra Modi were showcasing a “bromance” with big rallies and warm hugs. But in 2025, the U.S.–India friendship is falling apart. Trump’s peace deal claims, heavy tariffs on Indian exports, and Modi’s refusal to go along have created a serious rift. Now, India is moving closer to Russia and China, while ties with the U.S. look shaky.

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From “Howdy Modi” to Cold Shoulders

Back in 2019, Trump and Modi were all smiles at Houston’s Howdy Modi event. Both leaders praised each other, and it felt like India and the U.S. had found a new level of closeness. The Indian diaspora in America celebrated like never before.

But that glow has now faded. In 2025, the warmth has been replaced with bitterness.

Trump’s Nobel Peace Dream

In June, Trump claimed he had brokered peace between India and Pakistan and hinted that Modi might nominate him for a Nobel Prize.

India immediately rejected the claim. Officials clarified that India manages its own affairs and does not need outside mediation. For Trump, who thrives on global recognition, this was a big personal snub.

Tariff Tsunami on Indian Exports

The biggest blow came in August 2025, when Trump slapped 50% tariffs on Indian exports. The tariffs had two parts: a 25% “reciprocal” measure and an extra 25% penalty for India’s oil trade with Russia.

This hit India’s export economy hard:

  • Shrimp exports dropped sharply

  • Gems and jewellery trade suffered

  • Garments and handicrafts industries faced major losses

Economists warn that India could lose around $40 billion in exports, and the economy may shrink by 1%. For millions of workers, especially in coastal states and rural areas, this is not just about numbers—it’s about survival.

India Turns to Russia and China

Faced with U.S. pressure, Modi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit alongside Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. This move was seen globally as India signalling it won’t depend solely on America. Instead, it is seeking a balance by strengthening ties with Russia and China.

This shift is reshaping global politics and weakening the idea of a U.S.–India partnership as a counter to China.

Anger Inside America Too

Trump’s actions haven’t gone unchallenged in the U.S. Many politicians and analysts argued that punishing India was shortsighted. Critics pointed out that if the real concern was Russian oil, China should have been the main target.

Instead, Trump’s tariff war is being seen as a strategic blunder, hurting an important ally while strengthening China’s influence.

MediaFx People’s View

For all the high-level drama, the ones paying the price are workers, farmers, and small traders. Tariffs don’t hurt billionaires sitting in boardrooms. They hurt shrimp farmers in Andhra Pradesh, weavers in Telangana, and small exporters across India.

When global politics turns into a game of egos, ordinary people suffer the most. What’s needed is not chest-thumping diplomacy, but policies that secure livelihoods and keep peace in the region.


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