India Rejects Lutnick Claim on Modi-Trump Call

India dismissed as "not accurate" US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's assertion that the bilateral trade deal stalled because PM Narendra Modi refused to personally call President Donald Trump. The External Affairs Ministry highlighted ongoing negotiations since February 2025, multiple rounds close to conclusion, and eight phone calls between the leaders in 2025 alone. India remains committed to a mutually beneficial agreement amid imposed 50% US tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases and reciprocal measures.

IN SHORTIndia dismissed as "not accurate" US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's assertion that the bilateral trade deal stalled because PM Narendra Modi refused to personally call President Donald Trump. The External Affairs Ministry highlighted ongoing negotiations since February 2025, multiple rounds close to conclusion, and eight phone calls between the leaders in 2025 alone. India remains committed to a mutually beneficial agreement amid imposed 50% US tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases and reciprocal measures.

Diplomatic spats like this India-US trade deal controversy always remind me how personal egos can tangle with national interests—fascinating yet frustrating. On January 9, 2026, India firmly rejected Howard Lutnick's podcast claim that PM Modi didn't call Trump to seal the deal, calling it "not accurate." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed negotiations have been active since February 13, 2025, with several near-misses on agreement, purely policy-focused.

He noted eight Modi-Trump calls in 2025 covering broad partnerships, countering the narrative of discomfort. Lutnick had said the deal was ready but needed Modi's direct call within "three Fridays," contrasting with UK's swift closure via Starmer's call. This led to US stepping back, prioritizing Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and imposing 50% tariffs (25% for Russian oil + 25% reciprocal), hitting the rupee hard.

In my view, while personal chemistry matters in diplomacy, reducing complex talks to one phone call oversimplifies—India's caution seems prudent given Trump's style. Yet the tariffs hurt, and resuming momentum is key for both economies. Hoping mature dialogue prevails over public barbs.

TL;DR

India rejected Howard Lutnick's claim as "not accurate" regarding PM Modi's alleged refusal to call Trump for trade deal finalization.
External Affairs Ministry emphasized commitment to mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement since February 13, 2025 negotiations.
Multiple rounds held with occasions close to concluding a balanced deal between complementary economies.
PM Modi and President Trump spoke by phone eight times in 2025 discussing various partnership dimensions.
Lutnick claimed deal was set but Modi uncomfortable calling within given timeline leading to lapse.
US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports including 25% tied to Russian oil purchases.
Tariffs caused rupee to hit record low unsettling markets and investors significantly.
Earlier US trade offer to India has lapsed with America stepping back from it.
Contrasted with UK's successful deal after direct call from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
India keen to pursue and conclude talks despite reported characterisation of discussions.