India Shows Restraint as Trump Targets PM Modi with Exaggerated Claims

• Donald Trump has again made unsubstantiated claims targeting India and PM Modi regarding trade tariffs and defense deals, despite calling Modi his "friend."
• India has chosen a "studied silence" and "restraint," with diplomatic circles in New Delhi advising against a "tit-for-tat" response.
• Sources indicate India's priority is finalizing the bilateral trade deal with the US, with Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran expecting a pact by March.
• Fact-checking reveals Trump's claims, such as India ordering 68 Apache helicopters or his mediation in India-Pakistan conflicts, are highly exaggerated or false.
• India's approach aims to avoid scoring points and maintain focus on crucial economic agreements amidst Trump's abrasive rhetoric.

Why It Matters: India prioritizes diplomatic maturity and trade deal finalization over reacting to Trump's exaggerated claims.