“India wants to be friends with everyone and do business, but it cannot take dictation,” Fabian said, underscoring New Delhi’s growing confidence on the world stage.
New Delhi, Sep 7:
Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian said on Sunday that US President Donald Trump appears to be softening his stance on India after realizing that his aggressive trade tactics have failed to yield results.
Trump’s Tariffs Didn’t Work, Says Fabian
Trump had earlier imposed additional 25% tariffs on Indian goods, pushing the total duties to 50%, in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. According to Fabian, these measures did not achieve the desired outcome, and Trump is beginning to acknowledge that.
“It is reasonably clear that President Trump has started to realise he was wrong in assuming India would surrender,” Fabian said.
India’s Stand: Friendly, But Firm
Highlighting India’s approach to diplomacy, Fabian remarked:
“India is a civilisational state… It wants to be friends with everyone and do business, but India cannot take dictation.”
He added that India’s foreign policy is driven by sovereignty and self-interest, not pressure from global powers.
Trump-Modi Relations: Mixed Signals
Last week, Trump referred to US-India ties as a “very special relationship” and praised his personal bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, he also expressed displeasure over “what he ‘Modi’ is doing these days” — without elaborating.
When asked by ANI whether he was open to resetting relations, Trump responded:
“I always will… There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion.”
PM Modi Responds Positively
Responding to Trump’s comments, PM Modi posted on X:
“Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate President Trump’s sentiments and positive assessment of our ties. India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.”
Tariffs Still in Place, Trade Talks Stalled
Despite warmer words, the 50% tariffs remain in effect. Trade negotiations are currently on hold, as India maintains red lines on issues like agriculture and market access for US firms.
India Must Avoid ‘Camp Politics’, Says Ex-Envoy
In a related comment, former Indian ambassador Jawed Ashraf warned against India being pressured into aligning with global power blocs.
“India is not a small, weak country that needs crutches in our external relationships,” Ashraf said.
Fabian: Don’t Expect a Quick Resolution
While PM Modi responded courteously to Trump’s remarks, Fabian cautioned against reading too much into the exchange.
“It was appropriate for the Prime Minister to respond to a cordial tweet. But that doesn’t mean there’s going to be an early end to what I call the ‘Triple T’ — Trumped-up Trump Tariff,” he said. “Trumped-up means without basis,” Fabian added.
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