A recent report in The New York Times has revealed details of a phone call between former US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that occurred on June 17, 2025, which may have significantly strained relations between the two leaders. During the call, Trump reportedly sought Modi's endorsement for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, claiming credit for ending hostilities between India and Pakistan. Modi, however, rebuffed Trump's claim, asserting that the ceasefire was a result of direct negotiations between the two nations, with no US involvement.

According to the NYT report, Trump stated he was proud of "ending the military escalation" between India and Pakistan and mentioned that Pakistan intended to nominate him for the Nobel Peace Prize. The implication, according to sources familiar with the call, was that Modi should follow suit. Modi, however, made it clear that the United States had nothing to do with the cessation of hostilities, which was settled bilaterally. India has a long-standing policy of not accepting mediation in its disputes with Pakistan.

The phone call took place weeks after India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam. Following several days of air clashes, India and Pakistan agreed to negotiate. Subsequently, Trump claimed that the ceasefire was achieved through Washington's mediation. However, India maintained that the ceasefire was the result of negotiations between the two countries' militaries. The NYT report suggests that Modi's refusal to endorse Trump's Nobel aspirations played a significant role in the subsequent deterioration of India-US relations. Although Trump reportedly brushed aside Modi's comments at the time, the disagreement is seen as a turning point.

The NYT also noted that Trump has repeatedly and publicly claimed to have resolved the conflict between India and Pakistan and has openly campaigned for a Nobel Peace Prize. Since May 10, Trump has mentioned his role in stopping the conflict more than 40 times. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had also stated that Trump deserved to win the Nobel Prize for ending several conflicts around the world, including the one between India and Pakistan.

Following the June 17 call, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25% punitive tariff for India's purchase of Russian oil, effectively raising the tariff to 50%. These measures are seen by some as a consequence of Modi's refusal to support Trump's Nobel bid. The NYT further reports that Indian officials declined to arrange further calls between Modi and Trump, fearing that the US President would use social media to misrepresent any agreements or discussions.

Furthermore, the NYT claims that Trump no longer plans to visit India for the Quad Summit later this year. Citing sources familiar with Trump's schedule, the report suggests that the disagreement over the Nobel Prize and the India-Pakistan ceasefire contributed to the souring of relations and the cancellation of the visit. In addition, officials in New Delhi were reportedly concerned that Trump might attempt to orchestrate a handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir at the White House.