New Delhi, Sept 6 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s calm and measured response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on India-U.S. relations has drawn attention worldwide. While Trump recently praised India and emphasized the importance of stronger ties, former Indian Ambassador to France and Monaco, Javed Ashraf, has issued a note of caution.
Modi’s Restrained Yet Positive Reply
Ashraf said, “I think Prime Minister Modi has responded to President Trump in a very restrained but positive manner. His reply shows there is no dispute on our part—it is now up to the United States to decide how it resolves the issue.”
According to him, Modi’s diplomatic tone reflects India’s consistent approach: avoiding escalation while leaving space for constructive dialogue.
Root of Tensions: Russian Oil Imports
The former envoy highlighted that recent friction between Washington and New Delhi has centered largely on India’s crude oil imports from Russia.
“Earlier, references to India-Pakistan disputes were common. But today, the focus is mainly on crude oil imports from Russia, which America considers the root of differences,” Ashraf explained.
While he welcomed the softer language in Trump’s latest statement, he warned against being overly optimistic. “This is just the first step. We must remain cautious.”
Two Key Concerns
Ashraf underlined two critical points:
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Trump’s unpredictability – “The U.S. President often changes his views abruptly, sometimes even on social media. India must keep this in mind.”
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Tariffs still in force – Despite the positive rhetoric, American tariffs on Indian goods remain a real hurdle. “The true test will be how both nations tackle this challenge,” he said.
India’s Stand: Ready for Talks, Firm on Interests
Ashraf reiterated India’s readiness for dialogue but stressed that New Delhi will never compromise on its core national interests.
“When the U.S. fully understands that India will not accept demands that hurt our sovereignty or economic interests, a more serious attitude will emerge. We have always shown openness to talks, even offering ambitious trade proposals. Now, it is up to America to address its internal differences with India.”
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