US President Trump No Longer Plans to Visit India for Quad Summit, NYT Reports
US President Donald Trump has reportedly cancelled his plans to visit India for the upcoming Quad Summit, according to a New York Times report. The article claims the decision follows a souring of the relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The alleged friction stems from disagreements over US tariffs, differing accounts of America’s role in de-escalating the recent India-Pakistan military conflict, and Trump's reported suggestions that India should nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Unpacked:
The Quad Summit refers to a meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia. It is significant because it represents a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, countering China's influence, and enhancing economic and military cooperation among member states.
Trump's administration imposed tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum, and revoked India's preferential trade status under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). India retaliated with tariffs on US goods. These trade disputes strained the economic relationship and contributed to political friction between the two leaders.
President Trump publicly claimed that Prime Minister Modi had requested US mediation in the Kashmir dispute during the 2019 India-Pakistan military standoff. India firmly denied making any such request, insisting that all issues with Pakistan are bilateral and should not involve third-party mediation. This public contradiction angered Indian officials and strained diplomatic trust.
As of the reporting, there has been no official confirmation from either the US or Indian governments regarding the cancellation of Trump’s visit or the alleged deterioration in relations. Most accounts rely on insider reports and media sources rather than formal government statements.