Dhaka, Aug. 27 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi refused to take four calls from American President Donald Trump in recent weeks, against the backdrop of the tariff row, German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) has reported, citing sources.

The report suggests that this was the result of the "depth of his [Modi's] anger, but also his caution".

A Japanese newspaper, Nikkei Asia, has made similar claims, saying Prime Minister Modi was avoiding Trump's calls, "heightening Trump's frustration."

Ties between New Delhi and Washington have been tense after President Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to a staggering 50 per cent, the highest for any country other than Brazil. This includes a 25 per cent additional duty for India'...