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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined a meeting invitation from U.S.President Donald Trump in June, reportedly due to concerns over a potentialencounter with Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Accordingto a Bloomberg report cited by multiple sources, Modi believed that Trumpmight orchestrate a photo-op including both leaders if they were inWashington simultaneously.
The tensions unfolded in the wake of a four-day military escalation betweenIndia and Pakistan in May, which ended with a ceasefire. During a phonecall on June 17, Modi strongly conveyed to Trump that the de-escalationefforts resulted solely from direct military talks between the twocountries, rejecting any notion of third-party mediation.
Modi’s refusal to visit Washington reportedly stemmed from the possibilitythat a meeting with him might be scheduled closely in time with Trump’splanned reception for Asim Munir at the White House. Indian officialsviewed Munir’s inclusion as an attempt to validate Pakistan’s militaryleadership, a sensitive issue given India’s long-standing concerns aboutcross-border terrorism.
The phone conversation marked the beginning of a notable diplomatic driftbetween the two nations. Soon after, Trump publicly criticized India’seconomy and announced substantial tariffs on Indian imports, moves NewDelhi interpreted as a shift in tone and priorities.
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Meanwhile, Trump hosted Asim Munir for a private lunch at the White Houseon June 18, a rare privilege for a military chief from Pakistan. Trumppraised Munir for his “influence” in de-escalating tensions with India andsaid he was honored to meet him. Indian officials viewed the reception as adiplomatic misstep—a disregard for Indian sensitivities and an elevation ofPakistan’s military role in the region.
In India, Congress leaders seized on these developments to criticize PrimeMinister Modi’s assertion of a “special relationship” with Trump. Congressgeneral secretary Jairam Ramesh labeled Munir “America’s darling,” pointingto his White House lunch and an upcoming return visit to the U.S. asevidence of a contrast in Washington’s approach to Indian and Pakistanileadership.