Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Sep 3: US president Donald Trump feels “cheated” that he did not receive due credit for resolving the India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, according to noted US strategic affairs expert Ashley J. Tellis.
Tellis said, “I think he feels cheated that he did not get the credit that he believes is his due for having resolved the India-Pakistan crisis in May 2025. My suspicion is Prime Minister Modi’s call to him, to set the record right, only inflamed the situation rather than resolving it.”
Ties between New Delhi and Washington have come under strain in recent weeks, following the Trump administration’s decision to impose secondary tariffs on Indian exports, now standing at over 50 per cent. This, Tellis said, is the highest tariff level Mr Trump has imposed apart from Brazil.
The friction reportedly stems not only from India’s continued purchase of Russian oil but also from New Delhi’s denial of Trump’s peacemaking role during the conflict with Pakistan. Tellis suggested that Trump’s “fundamental dissatisfaction” over this issue has driven his aggressive posture towards India.
While China remains the largest buyer of Russian oil—importing USD 62.6 billion worth in 2024 compared to India’s USD 52.7 billion—Trump has focused his criticism on India. His trade advisor, Peter Navarro, has further aggravated tensions by branding India the “Maharaj of tariffs” and accusing New Delhi of running a “laundromat for the Kremlin” by refining Russian crude.
Navarro claimed, “Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India virtually bought no Russian oil…almost one per cent of their need. The percentage has now gone up to 35 per cent. They don’t need the oil. It’s a refining profit-sharing scheme.”
India, however, has pushed back strongly. During his recent visit to Moscow, external Affairs minister S Jaishankar expressed surprise at Washington’s criticism. He pointed out that the US itself had encouraged India to step up oil purchases from Russia in order to stabilise global energy markets.
The escalating tensions underline a significant strain in India-US relations, with experts warning that New Delhi may be forced to deepen ties with other global players as a counterbalance.