Photos: Sajjad Hussain and Brendan Smialowski via Getty ImagesDANIEL FLITTON

It’s a tale told in headlines, of a relationship soured in mere months. For those readers who haven’t followed the threads of India’s “Canada-moment” – the shock at finding itself subject to the same aggressive tactics Trump has used against other partners – here’s a quick recap to get you up to speed.

  • “Heartiest congratulations my friend Donald Trump on your historic election victory”: Narendra Modi, 6 November 2024.
  • “Whole world loves Modi”: Trump in a post-victory conversation with PM, 7 November
  • US military plane carrying deported Indians lands in Punjab, 5 February 2025
  • Modi hopes to revive Trump “bromance” as he heads to US, 12 February
  • Modi hails US-India “mega partnership” in Trump meeting, 14 February
  • Modi leaves Washington empty-handed as Trump doubles down on tariffs, 14 February

“In Trump-Modi standoff, ‘egos’ and missteps fuel resentment” – Washington Post

  • India says “examining the implications” of Trump’s tariffs, 2 April
  • US stands strong with India against terrorism, says Donald Trump after Kashmir terror attack, 23 April
  • Trump and Vance would rather stay out of it as India and Pakistan spiral toward war, 9 May
  • Announcing a US-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan, 10 May
  • India disputes Trump’s claim that trade incentives led to the India-Pakistan ceasefire, 14 May
  • India says over 1000 nationals deported by US since January, 29 May
Social media posts from Donald Trump and Narendra Modi dealing with issues now debated in US-India relations
Social media posts from Donald Trump and Narendra Modi dealing with issues now debated in US-India relations
  • India’s Modi tells Trump there was no US mediation in Pakistan truce, 18 June
  • India protests Trump-Pakistan talks, eyes China shift, 23 July
  • US-India tensions cast doubt on future of Quad, as well as possible Trump visit, 6 August
  • Trump orders India tariff hike to 50% for buying Russian oil, 7 August
  • Trump’s tariffs leave Modi between a rock and a hard place, and the economy on the ropes, 14 August
  • US accuses India of profiteering from Russian oil during Ukraine war, 19 August
  • In Trump-Modi standoff, “egos” and missteps fuel resentment, 14 August
  • Trump and Modi: the end of a beautiful friendship?, 17 August
  • The article appeared in lowyinstitute