Why Did the India-US Trade Deal Stall? Ted Cruz’s Leaked Audio Reveals Internal Rift

New Delhi: An audio recording of a private conversation of a senior US Republican senator, Ted Cruz, has been leaked, in which he has revealed the deep tussle within the White House over the India-US trade deal. In this audio, America's Vice President JD Vance, White House adviser Peter Navarro, and sometimes President Donald Trump have been accused of blocking the deal.

What's in the leaked audio?

An approximately 10-minute recording of a private phone call has surfaced in the media. In this, Ted Cruz is talking to donors. They say that the proposed trade agreement between America and India is stuck.

Who was blamed?

Cruz met with White House economic adviser Peter Navarro, and Vice President JD Vance was cited as the main reason for stopping the deal. He said that sometimes Donald Trump has also been involved in this problem.

Was there any comment on Trump's policy?

The senator criticized Trump's tariff (import duty) policy and said that it could have a negative impact on the American economy. He warned that this could cause harm to the Republican Party in the midterm elections.

What is the impact on the agreement?

A trade agreement between the two countries has been in talks for several months, but no final outcome has been achieved. Meanwhile, America has imposed about a 50 percent tariff on goods imported from India.

Why dispute over the deal?

Cruz says divisions and disagreements within the White House are preventing the deal from moving forward. According to him, there are political challenges that are hindering the talks.

Are there cracks in the Republican Party?

After the leaked audio, differences over trade policy within the Republican Party have been exposed. Cruz presented himself as a supporter of the trade deal and criticized the protests.

Will this affect the elections?

The senator said that if import tariffs and economic pressure continue, inflation may increase in the US, and this may harm the Republican Party in the 2026 elections.

Will this affect India-US relations?

Such revelations make it clear that international trade agreements are not just limited to diplomacy but are also influenced by economic policies and internal political disputes.

Can this increase pressure on talks further?

Analysts say that now it will depend on the coordination of American domestic politics and foreign policy as to when and how this deal moves forward. After the leaking of this controversial audio, a new debate has started regarding the future of the India-US trade agreement.