Bloomberg has revealed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declined an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump over concerns that he might be made to meet Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

According to Bloomberg, President Trump had invited Modi to a dinner on June 17, but the Indian leader turned down the offer. Modi reportedly feared that the U.S. President might facilitate a meeting between him and Field Marshal Asim Munir, which he wanted to avoid.

The report further stated that on the same day, Modi and Trump held a 45-minute phone conversation that marked the beginning of tensions between the two leaders. This strained backdrop soon led to a noticeable chill in India-U.S. relations. 

Also Read: 33 Militants Killed as Infiltration Attempt Thwarted in Zhob’s Sambaza Region

The shift became evident when President Trump described India’s economy as “dead” and later announced a 50% tariff increase on Indian products, effective August 17.

Pakistan Emerges as Trump’s Preferred Ally, India Faces Growing Pressure

Bloomberg and The Washington Post have both reported that Pakistan has now emerged as President Trump’s preferred and favored partner, while India faces mounting pressure on both economic and diplomatic fronts.

According to Bloomberg, Pakistan has played its diplomatic cards strategically, engaging in skillful diplomacy with the Trump administration. The country is among a select group of nations that have recently signed bilateral trade agreements with the U.S.

The report added that Pakistan-U.S. engagement gained momentum when tensions between India and Pakistan escalated along the border. During this period, key communications took place between Field Marshal Asim Munir and the Trump administration, including statements and cooperation related to a ceasefire.

It also highlighted that Pakistan possesses valuable natural resources such as gold and copper, which could be of strategic interest to the U.S.

The Washington Post echoed Bloomberg’s findings, stating that Modi refused the June 17 dinner invitation over concerns that Trump might arrange a meeting with Field Marshal Asim Munir. 

It reiterated that the 45-minute phone conversation held the same day further strained ties between Washington and New Delhi, leading to the tariff hike and Trump’s critical remarks about India’s economy, clear signs that India has slipped down the list of U.S. priorities.