Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian suggests that US President Donald Trump is beginning to realize his aggressive trade tactics with India, including the threat of increased tariffs on Russian oil purchases, have not yielded the desired results. This comes after weeks of sharp remarks and tariffs, which prompted speculation about India growing closer to China and Russia. Trump has recently softened his stance, calling India a "special partner" and reaffirming his friendship with Prime Minister Modi, signaling a potential reset in strained ties.

Fabian has cautioned against taking President Trump's remarks on India and tariffs at face value, calling them contradictory. He noted PM Modi's diplomatic response as appropriate and emphasized proper negotiations over public threats in US-India trade relations.

Trump's recent, more tempered tone focuses on the trade imbalance with India, a recurring theme in his statements over the years. However, the shift in tone suggests a possible recalibration of the US approach towards India. According to Fabian, Trump's earlier stance underestimated India's resolve. He stated that India would not yield to Washington's tariff demands and stressed the need for respectful negotiations over threats between the two nations on trade issues.

Experts are advising caution against over-interpreting Donald Trump's softened stance towards India, viewing it as a tactic from his playbook. Despite occasional praise, Trump's administration has strained relations with India, undoing previous progress and evoking historical mistrust through tariff measures. The Trump regime has antagonized allies globally, including Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Japan, Brazil, and even North and South Korea, further isolating America.

Former state department official Evan Feigenbaum said that "India has little to no reason to trust the US after the administration made an elective choice to tank the relationship by undoing even the achievements with New Delhi from President Trump's own first term".

Fabian highlighted the inconsistency in Trump's statements, noting instances where Trump claimed to have "lost India to China" and then asserted the opposite. He pointed out that Trump's reasoning for imposing tariffs on India is illogical and factually incorrect.

Other experts suggest that Trump's softened tone reflects a realization that India cannot be ordered around and that a partnership of respect and mutual benefit is necessary. They emphasize that India has remained firm on its core interests despite US pressure and has remained factual and non-confrontational throughout.

While India remains open to friendly relations and mutual trade, it cannot be expected to accept unilateral decisions or coercive measures. India seeks a strong but respectful partnership with the US based on dignity and mutual benefit, not one-sided expectations.

Despite Trump's affirmed "very special relationship" with India, he also expressed displeasure over what "he (PM Modi) is doing" in contemporary times. This highlights the complexities and potential contradictions in the US-India relationship under the Trump administration.