The global order constructed with considerable care by the Western leadership that won for their nations the Second World War is now under great stress. We are now witnessing the growing conflict among four large powers: the United States, China, Russia and India. Complicating relations among them are now not only deeply held national interests but also idiosyncratic personalities that lead them.

According to a news analysis done for The New York Times by its correspondent Mujib Mashal, "the much-touted bond nurtured through platitudes and joint appearances at stadia during rallies held in Mr. Trump's first term, led one television anchor sympathetic to India's leader to suggest that Trump and Modi 'have extraordinary chemistry'. Another chipped in: 'when the two of them are onstage together, it is lightning.' But when Mr. Modi needed to lean into that relationship, he instead has had to weather a series of blows that is hurting his reputation at home. Indian officials are wondering how the historic highs in the relationship have soured so quickly."

The American president did not favour India as he announced a series of trade-related actions including levy of tariffs on imports from several countries. On July 29, 2025, Trump announced that he was imposing 25 per cent tariffs on imports from India and some additional penalties for India's close ties with Russia which included imports of oil from Moscow. India's exports to the United States have grown rapidly, making the United States its largest trading partner. Trade in goods alone is estimated at $130 billion a year, with pharmaceuticals and electronics — including Apple's new iPhones —........

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