Page 5 - The Inian EYE 062626

COVER STORY JUNE 26, 2026 | The Indian Eye 5

to the framework agreement before
negotiations begin on a broader bi-
lateral trade pact.
Yet despite the optimism, trade
remains the principal area of unfin-
ished business. The Trump admin-
istration had earlier imposed steep
tariffs on Indian goods, including a
50 per cent tariff, before reducing the
reciprocal tariff to 18 per cent follow-
ing an interim understanding.
Former US National Security
Advisor John Bolton argued that
these tariff disputes continue to
distract both countries from larger
strategic priorities. “I personally am
opposed to Trump’s tariff program.
I think it’s a big mistake around the
world. From the US perspective, it’s
been particularly unfairly applied to
India, much more so than to China,”
Bolton said.
His remarks underline a con-
tinuing contradiction in India-US re- US President Donald Trump, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other G7 world leaders, stand together for a group photo at the G7
lations. While strategic cooperation
has expanded rapidly, commercial Summit, in Evian on Tuesday (@WhiteHouse X/ANI Photo)
negotiations have often struggled
with disagreements over tariffs, mar- pressing confidence that the security geopolitical challenge. “What I really and broader regional security consul-
ket access and trade regulations. of commercial crews would receive hope comes for the first time is a stra- tations.
Nevertheless, both governments priority under any emerging peace tegic discussion between Trump and Although Pakistan did not
appear determined not to allow arrangement. The discussion illus- Modi on how to deal with the Chi- feature prominently in the public
those disputes to derail the broader trated how India is increasingly pre- nese threat. It always... gets lost in a statements following the meeting, it
relationship. senting itself as a stakeholder in re- discussion of trade issues,” he said. remains an important strategic vari-
Beyond economics, the Evian gional stability rather than simply an He described China’s ambitions able. The continuing China-Pakistan
meeting demonstrated India’s grow- observer. across the Indo-Pacific as “one of the partnership, Beijing’s expanding re-
ing diplomatic relevance in West Another important, though less major issues, if not the major issue of gional influence and security con-
Asia. Asked whether India could visible, dimension of the meeting the 21st century.” cerns along India’s borders ensure
contribute to addressing the regional concerns China. Bolton also warned against any that Washington’s engagement with
crisis, Trump replied unequivocal- While the official discussions fo- perception of a US-China “G2” New Delhi carries implications ex-
ly. “Yes, I do. I think India plays a cused largely on trade and West Asia, framework, calling it “a dangerous tending well beyond bilateral trade.
big role in everything. As long as he strategic analysts believe the long- sidelining of India.” Taken together, the Modi-Trump
(Prime Minister Narendra Modi) is term significance of India-US rela- Instead, he advocated stronger meeting demonstrated that the In-
the leader, India is going to play a big tions lies in balancing China’s grow- cooperation through the Quad in- dia-US relationship continues to
role.” ing influence across the Indo-Pacific. volving India, the United States, Ja- evolve from a primarily economic
The comment represents a nota- Bolton argued that trade disputes pan and Australia, including intelli- partnership into a comprehensive
ble acknowledgement of India’s ex- should not overshadow the larger gence sharing, military coordination strategic alliance. Personal chem-
panding role beyond South Asia. istry between the two leaders has
For New Delhi, stability in the once again created positive political
Gulf is not merely a geopolitical momentum, negotiations on a trade
concern but an economic necessi- agreement are approaching comple-
ty. India depends heavily on energy tion, and both countries increasingly
imports passing through the Strait of recognise India’s importance in en-
Hormuz, while millions of Indians suring stability in West Asia and the
live and work across the Gulf region. wider Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Yet significant challenges re-
Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the re- main. Tariff disputes have not disap-
gion. peared, difficult trade negotiations
“I commend you for your leader- continue, and the shared challenge
ship on the progress in peace efforts posed by China’s growing influence
in West Asia,” he said. will require deeper strategic coordi-
He also stressed that keeping nation. The meeting in Evian there-
the Strait of Hormuz open was vital fore represents not the culmination
for the global economy and drew at- of the partnership but another step
tention to the welfare of Indian mer- in an evolving relationship whose
chant sailors operating in increasing- importance extends far beyond bilat-
ly volatile waters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit (@ eral ties, influencing the balance of
“I believe the safety of Indian narendramodi X/ANI Photo) power across Asia and the future ar-
seafarers is critical,” Modi said, ex- chitecture of the international order.

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