In recent days, the Narendra Modi government has faced a barrage of criticism, accused of capitulating to Donald Trump and halting Operation Sindoor, further fueled by the U.S. President's accusations of India not aligning with his stance on a trade deal. Trump's unsubstantiated assertions that he coerced India into ceasing its offensive against Pakistan have particularly embarrassed the Modi government, providing ammunition for its political adversaries.

The government's attempts to counter these claims, including Prime Minister Modi's statement that "no world leader" (implicitly Trump) discussed the matter and the external affairs minister's denial of any Trump-Modi conversation during Operation Sindoor, have been met with skepticism. However, Trump's subsequent outbursts against India might inadvertently bolster the government's position.

India is notably absent from the list of countries that have seemingly conceded tariff concessions to satisfy Trump's demands, who stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he wants to make "the US extremely happy". While this uncompromising stance is likely to create problems for India, it simultaneously offers an opportunity for the Modi government to refute the "surrender" allegations.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, while maintaining a composed tone, has firmly asserted that India will not compromise on the interests of its farmers, dairy sector, and micro and small enterprises. He alluded to the "red lines" that India has established during negotiations and has steadfastly refused to cross. This stance is expected to be reinforced if the current stalemate persists. The Modi government has publicly declared that it will not act "at the cost of national interest," a commitment that it must uphold, even if it means disagreeing with a U.S. President unaccustomed to being told "no".

The situation also presents a chance for the government to solidify its support base, especially among small and medium-sized businesses. Historically, groups like the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) have been wary of the U.S. and viewed engagements with a degree of skepticism. A firm stance against the U.S. could reassure these segments, who have, in the past, expressed concerns over issues such as land acquisition laws and agricultural reforms.