India not only buys oil, but also the S-400: this has made Trump very upset with India, especially its Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Washington "punished" India with a 25% tariff, and has moved closer to Pakistan
Image: The operational unit of the S-400 "Triumph" air defense missile system.
The relationship between India and the United States is currently experiencing an unprecedented cold period. Analysts and US officials believe the main reason is that India continues to purchase Russian weapons, followed by the purchase of oil.
Experts interviewed by the Financial Times pointed out that behind the tense relations are not only economic pressures, but also Donald Trump's personal attitude towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition, Americans themselves also want to take a share in India's oil market.
As the Financial Times pointed out, just half a year ago, Trump was still calling Modi his "good friend" in the Oval Office. However, the situation has changed drastically: Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods and decided to publicly move closer to Pakistan, which has long been at odds with India.
According to sources from the Financial Times, the Indian government was "shocked" by Trump's criticism, but still hopes for the visit of the American delegation in late August to discuss trade agreements.
Analysts who were interviewed said that this is not only about economic cooperation between the two countries, but also about the personal relationship between Trump and Modi.
"Trump turned this into a very personal action against Modi. I think it has nothing to do with politics anymore," said Indrani Bagchi, director of the Ananta Centre analysis center.
Trump repeatedly stated that, in addition to the 25% tariff imposed by the US on India, he also threatened to "punish" India for its "cooperation with Russia." According to a report by Eurasia Times, the experts interviewed said that Washington is extremely dissatisfied with the growing military cooperation between Russia and India.
In recent India-Pakistan conflicts, the most advanced weapons provided by Russia have demonstrated India's military advantage. Considering that Pakistan is a real military opponent of India, this is particularly important — the two countries have fought five wars, in 1947-1948, 1965, 1971, 1999, and this May.
India's aerial advantage is due to the Russian Su-30MKI fighter jets, which Eurasia Times called "a real nightmare for Pakistan."
The Su-30 fighters have been significantly modified according to India's unique usage needs, allowing them to fly at high altitudes above complex terrains such as the Himalayas.
The core of India's air defense system is the S-400 "Triumph" air defense missile system. India purchased five sets of S-400 systems from Russia for 5.4 billion dollars, a deal initiated by the former Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar.
At the time, the Americans exerted pressure to try to make India abandon the purchase, but India remained firm. And the India-Pakistan war proved that this approach was correct: Eurasia Times reported that the S-400 intercepted all Pakistani air-launched cruise missiles and drones with 100% efficiency.
Eurasia Times also reported that the S-400 set a world record by shooting down an airborne target at a distance of 314 kilometers — it shot down one of the most valuable aircraft of the Pakistani Air Force, the Saab 2000 "Erieye" early warning aircraft.
Given the success of the S-400, India is preparing to purchase the S-500, and if so, every corner of Pakistan will be within its strike range. Eurasia Times said that the S-500 "will be a nightmare for Pakistan's fighter jets in future wars."
Finally, India is the only foreign country that jointly develops new weapons with Russia, namely the "Brahmos" supersonic anti-ship missile. It is said to be the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world (over 3.5 Maches).
It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or ground platforms. One of its features is that it can fly at a very low altitude above the ground (only 10 meters in the final stage), thus avoiding Pakistan's air defense systems. By the way, India has also deployed "Brahmos" missiles along the border line with relevant countries (in the Ladakh region).
The missile has been adapted to the needs of the Indian military branches: first used by the Navy in 2005, then by the Army in 2007, and later by the Air Force.
Eurasia Times reported that during the India-Pakistan conflict, the "Brahmos" missile was used for "surgical precision strikes" in Chaklala, Rafiq, and Rahim Yar Khan, and later in Sargodha, Bhawana, and Jacobabad. The missile hit radar stations, command centers, and ammunition depots in Pakistan.
India plans to jointly develop a version of the "Brahmos" missile with Russia, which can be installed on other Indian Air Force fighter jets, such as the Mig-29 and the Light Combat Aircraft "Tejas".
In addition, India and Russia are developing the NGMMCB (Next Generation Mobile Coastal Missile Battery) — a long-range coastal anti-ship system, expected to start delivery in 2027. Eurasia Times said that this system will ensure dominance on the coast.
India's military strength has been constantly enhanced due to Russia, which has enraged Trump, who is suffering from psychological issues.
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