The Fraying of a Bromance: Why the Trump-Modi Split is a Disaster
In the sweltering heat of Washington D.C.'s February sun, President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a warm smile for the cameras. The joint press conference on February 13, 2025, was supposed to be a celebration of the strong ties between the two nations. But behind the scenes, a storm was brewing.
The bromance that once brought together these two leaders has frayed, and with it, the relationship between the United States and India is beginning to unravel. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting not just the economies of both countries but also the lives of millions of people who call America home.
To understand what went wrong, let's take a step back in time. During Trump's first term, Modi was one of his closest friends on the world stage. In 2019, Modi even joined a rally in Houston to celebrate the strong ties between the US and India. The two leaders shared a warm rapport, with Modi even bringing Trump to an Indian rally in the world's largest cricket stadium.
But as Trump's second term progressed, things began to change. Punishing US tariffs against India played a significant role in straining relations. In August 2025, the Trump administration imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods, citing "strenuous and obnoxious trade barriers." The move was seen as a major blow to India's economy, which is heavily reliant on exports.
But that wasn't all. Last month, the US added another 25 percent tariff on Indian goods after Modi's government purchased discounted crude oil from Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022. Trump took to Twitter, tweeting "Vladimir, Stop!" as if he was scolding a wayward child.
The impact of these tariffs is being felt across India. Small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, and the country's economic growth has slowed significantly. The Indian rupee has also plummeted against the US dollar, making imports even more expensive.
But what about Modi's perspective? In an interview with the Times of India, he said that Trump's tariffs were "unfair" and "hurtful." He added that India was willing to negotiate a trade deal but needed the US to be more flexible. "We want a fair deal, not a dictated one," he said.
Not everyone agrees with Modi's assessment, however. Some Indian economists argue that the country needs to diversify its exports and reduce its reliance on the US market. "India has been too dependent on the US for too long," says Dr. Raghuram Rajan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. "We need to look beyond America and build stronger ties with other countries."
The Trump-Modi split is not just a bilateral issue; it also has implications for global politics. As tensions between the two nations rise, China is quietly gaining ground in the region. In fact, some analysts believe that Beijing's influence in India is growing by the day.
So what does this mean for the future of US-India relations? Will the bromance be revived, or will it continue to fray? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the consequences of this split are far-reaching and devastating.
As the world watches with bated breath, one thing is clear: the fraying of a bromance has become a disaster for both countries. The question now is what can be done to repair the damage and restore the relationship to its former glory.
*Based on reporting by Vox.*
