Trump’s Second Term: India’s Optimism and Strategic Cooperation
President Donald Trump’s recent return to the White House has captured international attention, yet India is expressing an optimistic outlook regarding his second term. In a swift move to adapt to Trump’s distinct transactional diplomacy, India is indicating its readiness to engage constructively with the U.S. administration.
Initial Dialogues: A Positive Commencement
In their first significant communication since Trump resumed the presidency, he and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a “productive call” on Monday. The discussion focused on “expanding and deepening cooperation” between the two nations. A White House statement detailed that the two leaders touched upon critical geopolitical and trade matters, including calling for an increase in Indian purchases of U.S.-manufactured security equipment to mitigate the trade imbalance that has characterized bilateral relations.
Strengthening U.S.-India Relations
“Expectations are high for U.S.-India relations under Trump’s leadership. He and Modi share a natural chemistry due to their aligned governance styles and worldviews,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
Modi and Trump have forged a robust rapport over the years, highlighted by extravagant events such as the 2020 rally in Gujarat that drew over 110,000 attendees. Trump’s earlier comparisons of Modi to Elvis Presley during a 2019 rally in Texas underscored this camaraderie. However, underlying concerns persist regarding Trump’s immigration policies, which have left some in India uneasy.
Immigration Challenges
India stands as one of the primary contributors to U.S. immigration, whether legal or illegal. A report from the Pew Research Center indicated that nearly 725,000 Indians lived illegally in the U.S. as of 2022. Moreover, the Customs and Border Patrol recorded approximately 90,500 encounters involving Indian citizens just in fiscal year 2024. The advent of Trump’s strict immigration policies, particularly concerning H-1B visas crucial for highly-skilled Indian professionals, has ignited debates. Nonetheless, Trump appears unswayed by these concerns, expressing confidence that India would ultimately “do what is right.”
Emerging Trade Conflicts
Trade remains a pivotal area of contention. Following his call with Modi, Trump labeled India, alongside China and Brazil, as major “tariff makers,” promising to uphold U.S. interests by imposing higher tariffs on nations perceived to exploit American markets. Trump’s term previously saw him designate India as a “tariff king,” leading to the revocation of India’s special trade privileges and prompting retaliatory tariffs on American goods.
Despite these challenges, India is keen to mend ties and collaborate on trade issues, illegal migration, and the diversification of its oil imports. Prime Minister Modi aims to reduce dependency on Russian imports while reinforcing economic connections with the U.S. In doing so, he envisions India as a global economic powerhouse, with the U.S. alliance pivotal to counteract China’s burgeoning influence.
Legal Challenges Test the Partnership
Ongoing legal battles threaten to complicate U.S.-India relations. Notably, in 2023, U.S. prosecutors accused Indian intelligence agents of a conspiracy involving an assassination plot on American soil. Additionally, Indian billionaire Gautam Adani faced fraud and bribery accusations from the Justice Department. Despite these unsettling developments, experts believe the bilateral relationship remains fundamentally robust.
“There will undoubtedly be challenges to address, including those inherited from the Biden administration and new ones like trade conflicts,” Kugelman noted. “But India has shown a willingness to act preemptively to minimize tensions and ensure its partnership with Washington remains stable.”
Shared Strategic Interests
India and the U.S. share vital strategic objectives, especially in the face of China’s assertive posture. The Biden administration regards India, as the world’s largest democracy, as an essential counterbalance in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump’s administration is anticipated to prioritize and reinforce this partnership, given his alignment with Modi’s nationalist policies and governance methods.
Indian Americans in Trump’s Administration
The representation of Indian Americans in Trump’s second administration is noteworthy. Kash Patel, his nominee for FBI director, could make history as the first Indian American to lead the agency if confirmed. Other influential appointments include Dr. Jay Bhattacharya as director of the National Institutes of Health and Harmeet K. Dhillon as assistant attorney general for Civil Rights. Furthermore, Vivek Ramaswamy and Sriram Krishnan retain prominent advisory roles, while Usha Vance, the spouse of Vice President JD Vance, stands as the first woman of Indian origin to serve as second lady.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Expectations
India views Trump’s presidency as a chance to further its global aspirations, with Modi poised to meet Trump next month. Trump is also slated to visit India later this year for the Quad Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. Analysts assert that India’s swift signaling of willingness to accommodate U.S. demands illustrates the critical nature of this partnership for New Delhi.
“The fact that India has so quickly signaled its willingness to make concessions to the U.S. shows just how important this partnership is to New Delhi,” Kugelman concluded.
As India seeks to deepen its collaboration with the United States, a multifaceted relationship forged in mutual interests, geopolitics, and economic opportunities seems to await both nations in the evolving global landscape.
