U.S. Commerce Secretary claims India's trade deal failure stems from Modi not calling Trump amid tariff threats and ongoing negotiations.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, a key aide to President Trump, made a stark revelation, Indian PM Narendra Modi didnt call Trump, stalling the possible trade deal amid the looming 500% tarrif treat.

India-US Trade Deal: Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson, on Friday, informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have spoken on eight occasions in regard to the India-US trade deal. Jaiswal also termed the that characterisation by the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the trade deal as not accurate.

Posting the clip on X, Congress leader Ramesh used a rhyming Hindi jibe to underline his criticism, suggesting a sharp contrast between past bonhomie and the current state of India–US engagement. The post appeared to question the government’s handling of high-level diplomacy and its impact on stalled trade negotiations between the two countries.

India on Jan 9 described as inaccurate US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's remarks on India-US trade deal being derailed.

Trump’s actions against India have appeared to be driven more by a bruised ego after PM Modi declined to engage directly

The Congress remarks came after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, during an interview on a podcast, said that the India-US trade deal failed because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call President Donald Trump to secure it.

In a 72-hour diplomatic flip, from US President Donald Trump claim that PM Narendra Modi pleaded, Sir, May I please see you please? over delayed Apache helicopter deliveries, to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick statement that the US-India trade deal failed because Modi didnt call the President. These contradictions expose US tactics, seeking Indian concessions amid threats of 500% tariffs under the new Sanctioning Russia Act 2025.