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Foreword

In September 2025, the global attention was focused on the UN General Assembly, but Indian Prime Minister Modi was absent.

Although India's influence on the international stage continues to rise, Modi's absence has sparked a lot of speculation.

Everyone is thinking, Is this because US-India relations have become increasingly tense recently? Will Modi compromise under the pressure from the United States, or will he adhere to India's independence position?

Faced with international pressure, how Modi defended India's dignity in the game of great powers has become a critical moment.

What exactly will Modi do? Can he hold on?

The United States puts pressure on India

The relationship between the United States and India has been complex since the Cold War, but in recent years with India's rise on the global stage, the interaction between the two countries has become more frequent, especially in terms of trade, military cooperation and geopolitics. India is regarded as the key partner of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region.

However, after the Trump administration came to power, there were more frictions and confrontations in the relationship between the two sides.

Trump has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Indian economy many times, especially the restrictions on US goods by India's high tariff policies.

The Indian government also responded to U.S. trade pressure with reciprocal tariffs, which led to intensified trade frictions between the two countries.

In this context, the US government has taken tough measures to put greater pressure on India.

The recent remarks of U.S. Secretary of Commerce Lutnik have brought the situation to a new climax.

He openly threatens India to either support the US economic interests and accept the dominance of the US dollar or face up to 50% tariff penalties.

This remark is undoubtedly the most direct and severe pressure from the United States on India, and also exposes the United States' strategic intention to force India to surrender through economic means.

The Trump administration's high-pressure policies are not without basis.

The United States hopes to force India to make concessions in the global economy, especially in the areas of energy and trade.

India has always adhered to traditional friendly relations with Russia and relied on Russia in imports of oil and gas, which is also an important reason for the dissatisfaction of the United States.

The United States believes that India's independence in energy choices has affected the United States' control over the global energy market.

The Trump administration therefore demands that India change its position, especially on the issue of Russian oil imports.

The United States' tough attitude and disrespect for India's sovereignty have challenged India's independence and national self-esteem.

For a big country like India, foreign policy is often closely related to the country's culture, history and self-confidence.

The U.S. "ultimatum" threat not only disturbed India, but also put the Indian government in a dilemma on how to deal with international pressure.

Modi's decision

In the face of pressure from the United States, Indian Prime Minister Modi made a noteworthy decision - he decided to cancel his original trip to the United States and refused to hold further negotiations with Trump.

This decision is not only a diplomatic response to the United States, but also reflects Modi's persistence in India's national dignity.

Modi has been known for his tough diplomatic style since taking office in 2014.

He advocated that India play a more independent and active role in global affairs, especially in the economic, military and international strategic areas.

Modi's foreign policy not only attaches importance to relations with traditional major powers such as the United States and Russia, but also pays more attention to developing cooperation with BRICS countries and other emerging market countries.

In this context, Modi showed obvious disgust and rejection of the high-pressure attitude towards the United States.

Modi knows well that if he succumbs to the pressure from the United States at this time, India will not only lose its voice on the global stage, but also face adverse effects of domestic politics.

The sense of national pride and independence in Indian society is extremely strong, and any form of diplomatic compromise may be strongly opposed by the people, especially on issues concerning national dignity.

India's political ecology also requires leaders to show a tough leadership style, otherwise they will face political turmoil and public dissatisfaction.

In fact, Modi's decision was not without costs.

Although refusal to reconcile with Trump may make India lose some opportunities to cooperate with the United States in the short term, in the long run, Modi believes that India needs to establish a tough and independent image on the global stage.

This is not only about foreign policy, but also about India's positioning in the process of globalization.

Modi must also consider relations with major powers such as China and Russia.

Under the current international situation, India cannot rely solely on the support of the United States, but must maintain a balance with other major powers to ensure India's independence in global politics.

Especially in the BRICS mechanism, India's position must be firm, because BRICS countries are not only the framework of economic cooperation, but also an important fulcrum for India in the global strategic game.

Modi's decision is undoubtedly a strong response to the pressure on the United States and a strong defense of India's independent foreign policy.

Response in India

Modi's decision has aroused widespread discussion and enthusiastic response in India.

The Indian people generally expressed their support for Modi's choice to adhere to his independence stance, believing that this is a defense of India's dignity.

In India, especially against the backdrop of high nationalist sentiment, the public generally does not want to see India succumb to any major power in international affairs, especially countries like the United States that have repeatedly despised India in history.

At the same time, Indian political analysts also believe that Modi's decision may have a profound impact on the future international situation.

India has undoubtedly become a force that cannot be ignored in global politics, especially in the context of global multipolarization. The relationship between India and major powers such as the United States, Russia, and China will determine the direction of the global strategic pattern.

From an economic perspective, India is also facing certain pressure while refusing to compromise with the United States.

Although India's position in the global economy has gradually increased, if the economic relations with major powers cannot be balanced, India's economic development may be restricted.

In particular, India may face more challenges in trade and investment.

However, India's choice may also provide an important reference for other emerging countries.

With the increasingly complex globalization and the changing international situation, many emerging market countries need to be cautious in dealing with their foreign policies when facing pressure from major powers.

This decision by India undoubtedly demonstrates how to balance the relationship between major powers while safeguarding national interests and dignity.

Global, Modi's decision may have a demonstration effect on other countries, especially when dealing with relations with major powers, how to maintain its independence and sovereignty and avoid being influenced by external pressure.

As India's role in international affairs becomes increasingly important, the future global political landscape will inevitably be influenced by India's strategic choices in multilateral diplomacy.

Conclusion

Modi's decision was undoubtedly an important diplomatic choice. In the face of pressure and threats from the United States, Modi chose to stick to India's independence position and refused to compromise with the United States diplomatically.

This decision is not only a defense of India's dignity, but also a profound impact on India's future diplomatic direction.

In the context of globalization, how to deal with relationships with major powers and maintain independence in a multipolar international environment are important issues that every emerging major power needs to face.

For India, Modi's decision is not only a reflection of foreign policy, but also a display of India's independent attitude in global politics.

As India plays an increasingly important role in global affairs, how it will balance its relations with other major powers and how it can safeguard its economic interests and international status will become the focus of global attention.