'Donald Trump realised he was wrong about India...': Ex-diplomat on US President's softened tone

US President Donald Trump

Days after US President Donald Trump described India-US ties as a "very special relationship," former Indian diplomat KP Fabian said on Sunday that the US leader is beginning to realise his aggressive trade threats, particularly over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, failed to produce the intended results.

Responding to the shift in Trump’s tone, Fabian told ANI that the tariffs imposed by the US were “without any solid basis” and underestimated India’s resolve.

"Prime Minister Modi did what is appropriate to respond to a cordial tweet, but from this, we cannot conclude that we are going to see any early end to this, what I call 'Triple T' -- Trumped-up Trump Tariff. Trumped-up means without basis. But at the same time, it is reasonably clear that President Donald Trump has started to realise that his original expectation that India would surrender when he threatened an additional 25 per cent. He has started to realise that he was wrong," Fabian said.

The former diplomat further stressed that India is open to cooperation but will not bow to unilateral measures.

"What he has to realise is that India is India. India is a civilisational state. India cannot be a meek camp follower of any other country. India wants to be friends with everyone and wants to do business, but India cannot take dictation," Fabian added.

On Friday (local time), Trump, while speaking at the White House, had said that India-US ties remain strong despite occasional differences.

"I always will. I'll always be friends with (PM) Modi. He's a great Prime Minister. I'll always be friends, but I just don't like what he is doing at this particular moment. But India and the United States have a very special relationship. There is nothing to worry about. We just have moments on occasion," Trump told ANI in response to a question on whether he was ready to reset relations with India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded warmly on Saturday, saying he "deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates" Trump’s remarks. Taking to X, Modi described the bilateral relationship as "forward-looking."

"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," PM Modi posted.

*With Agency Inputs