India is speaking more openly about its disagreements with the United States. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave a blunt assessment at an Asia Society event in New York this week.

He said Washington had been insensitive to India’s concerns over “terrorism”. He added that the US had warmed to Pakistan, India’s rival. Jaishankar also called American trade policy “self-centred” and said it had hurt the Global South.

The remarks mark a shift from India’s usual quiet diplomacy with Washington. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call with President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Modi described the talk as “productive”.

That is far cooler than his earlier description of Trump as a “good friend”. Analysts say months of friction over trade, tariffs and Pakistan are behind the change.

Chatham House’s Chietigj Bajpaee said the remarks offer a frank assessment of the relationship. He added that the shine had come off after India had been optimistic about a second Trump term.