India US trade deal stalled as Modi Trump call never happened aides claim
India US trade talks reportedly fell apart after a crucial phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump never happened, according to aides. The absence of direct leader level engagement is being cited as a key reason behind the collapse of negotiations over tariffs and market access.
Fresh claims have emerged suggesting that the failure of India US trade negotiations was linked to the absence of direct communication between top leaders. According to aides familiar with the matter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi never held a phone call with then US President Donald Trump at a critical stage of the talks, contributing to the breakdown of discussions.
The trade negotiations had aimed to resolve long standing disputes related to tariffs, market access and trade barriers. Both sides were reportedly close to narrowing differences, but progress slowed as disagreements persisted without decisive political intervention from the highest level.
Aides have claimed that US officials expected a direct conversation between the two leaders to help break the deadlock. Such calls are often seen as crucial in high stakes negotiations, where unresolved issues require political direction rather than bureaucratic handling.
India US trade relations during that period were marked by tension over tariff increases and withdrawal of trade benefits. While officials on both sides continued talks at the ministerial and bureaucratic levels, the lack of a leader to leader discussion is now being cited as a missed opportunity to finalise a deal.
Analysts say high level political engagement often plays a decisive role in concluding complex trade agreements. Without it, negotiators may lack the mandate to make final compromises, leading to prolonged stalemates or collapse of talks.
The claims have sparked renewed debate on how diplomatic communication shapes economic outcomes. Observers note that strong personal engagement between leaders has previously helped resolve sensitive issues in India US relations.
While both countries continue to describe each other as strategic partners, the stalled trade deal remains a reminder of how fragile negotiations can be without timely political push. Any future effort to revive such talks is expected to rely heavily on sustained leader level engagement to avoid a repeat of past setbacks.
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