New Delhi, India — India's top diplomat has issued a starkly critical assessment of the United States under President Donald Trump, signaling a more confrontational approach from New Delhi on issues ranging from terrorism to trade. Speaking in New York this week, India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that Washington has been an "insensitive partner" to India's concerns about terrorism, has "warmed" to India's rival Pakistan, and pursued "self-centered" trade policies that have negatively impacted the Global South.

This direct and public critique marks a significant shift from India's traditional approach of handling bilateral disagreements quietly behind the scenes. For decades, India and the US have maintained a broadly bipartisan relationship, but the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric have introduced volatility and uncertainty, prompting New Delhi to adopt a more openly critical stance.

The changing tone from India also comes at a sensitive time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who faces increasing domestic pressure. Opposition parties have criticized his administration for allegedly yielding to US demands. A recent phone call between Modi and Trump, described by the Indian PM as "productive," was notably more formal than previous interactions where Modi had referred to Trump as a "good friend."

Chietigj Bajpaee, a senior research fellow for South Asia at the Chatham House think tank, characterized Jaishankar's remarks as a "frank assessment" of the current state of the India-US relationship. He noted that "clearly, the shine has come off the bilateral relationship after India was initially among the most optimistic about a second Trump term."

Jaishankar made his observations during an event hosted by the Asia Society following the UN General Assembly. He acknowledged that many nations have experienced difficult relations with the US, stating, "I mean that may not be a consolation, but that’s a reality."

Trade has been a significant point of friction. The US is India's largest trading partner, with bilateral goods trade reaching $149.1 billion in 2025. However, the trade balance favors India, with a $58.4 billion surplus for New Delhi. This imbalance has been a source of contention, with the Trump administration previously imposing tariffs and other trade restrictions.

Beyond trade, India has expressed frustration over what it perceives as a lack of US support in combating cross-border terrorism. New Delhi has long accused Pakistan of harboring militant groups that carry out attacks in India, and has been critical of what it views as insufficient pressure from Washington on Islamabad regarding these issues.

The shift in India's diplomatic posture suggests a growing confidence in asserting its national interests on the global stage, even when it means openly challenging a powerful ally like the United States. The long-term implications for India-US relations, particularly in strategic areas like defense and regional security, remain to be seen.