The seemingly unshakeable bond between former US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, once touted as a cornerstone of a robust bilateral relationship, has been exposed as significantly more fragile than previously perceived. Recent analyses from leading publications such as The Washington Post, Brookings, The New York Times, and Foreign Policy point to a culmination of factors contributing to a growing rift. These factors include clashes of personality, strategic miscalculations, and ultimately, unmet expectations on both sides, leaving a legacy of strained relations and uncertainty for the future of the US-India partnership.

The nature of the Trump-Modi relationship was always characterized by a certain duality. While both leaders cultivated a public image of strong camaraderie and shared goals, behind the scenes, fundamental differences in approach and priorities often created friction. Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy, prioritizing short-term gains and personal relationships, clashed with Modi's more strategic, long-term vision for India's global role. This disconnect created a volatile dynamic, with moments of apparent agreement masking underlying tensions regarding trade, defense cooperation, and regional issues like Pakistan and China. The lack of sustained high-level dialogue and concrete policy achievements further exacerbated the situation, leaving both sides feeling let down and frustrated by the lack of tangible progress.