In a stunning reversal of his recent friendly tone, US President Donald Trump publicly castigated India at the United Nations General Assembly, branding it a “primary funder” of the Ukraine war. The declaration marks a dramatic pivot from his earlier descriptions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “my good friend,” highlighting the President’s famously volatile approach to international relations.
The centerpiece of Trump’s criticism was India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. Standing before world leaders, he laid the blame for the prolonged conflict in Ukraine at the feet of its major energy customers, stating, “China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war.” This accusation moves beyond mere policy disagreement into the realm of moral condemnation, a significant escalation of US pressure.
This sharp turn comes despite a recent period of renewed bonhomie, which had included a birthday call to Modi and the resumption of trade talks. However, underlying tensions have been simmering, evidenced by the US recently doubling tariffs on Indian imports to 50% in a direct attempt to force New Delhi to abandon its Russian energy deals. Trump’s speech suggests that his patience has run out and he is now opting for public shaming.
Adding insult to injury, Trump also used his UN platform to repeat his unsubstantiated claim that he single-handedly averted a war between India and Pakistan. This self-serving narrative, aimed at bolstering his Nobel Peace Prize aspirations, disregards India’s own account of the de-escalation of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and is seen as a slight to its sovereign decision-making.
The Indian government’s strategy of quiet engagement and avoiding public spats now appears insufficient to manage Trump’s “mercurial” nature. Prime Minister Modi, who has faced domestic criticism over issues like high US visa fees, is under increasing pressure to respond more forcefully. The UN speech has laid bare the fragility of a relationship built on personal chemistry, revealing it to be susceptible to the President’s unpredictable whims.
From ‘Friend’ to ‘Funder’: Trump’s Shocking Turn on India at UN Assembly
