Indo-American Relations
Despite the recent imposition of heavy tariffs by both world leaders, President Donald Trump and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi have maintained a friendly relationship over the past eight years, which is expected to continue into Trump’s second term. The bond between the two leaders was highlighted at a rally in Houston, Texas on Sept. 23, 2019, named “Howdy, Modi,” where Trump and Modi shook hands, and Modi declared, “Abki baar, Trump Sarkar,” which translates to “This time, a Trump government.” Trump has garnered significant support among Indians in India, with Hindu priests conducting prayer services for a Trump victory in various parts of the country.
Human Rights Concerns
In a post-election interview with Dr. Sumit Ganguly, a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University, he mentioned that Trump’s popularity in India could be due to frustrations with the left wing of the Democratic Party, which has criticized human rights violations in India. There are concerns that Trump’s administration may not prioritize issues related to human rights, democracy, and free speech, which might have been addressed by a Kamala Harris administration.
Trade Relations
One major area of concern in US-India relations is the issue of tariffs. Trump has referred to India as the “tariff king” due to the country’s high tariffs on certain American goods. This has led to a tariff war between the two countries, impacting trade relations. Despite efforts to address some tariffs during a meeting between President Joe Biden and Modi, challenges remain in balancing trade relations between the two nations.
Global Dynamics
India’s relationships with countries like Iran and Russia could potentially strain its ties with the US under Trump’s administration. Trump may push for India to continue its ban on Iranian oil and increase its purchase of liquefied natural gas from the US. Additionally, India’s alignment with Russia could pose challenges for its relationship with the US. Modi’s ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and India’s stance on global issues like Ukraine and Taiwan may influence its relationship with the US under Trump’s administration.
Future Outlook
Despite potential challenges, experts like Dr. Shashi Tharoor, an Indian Member of Parliament, believe that the fundamental drivers of the US-India relationship will continue to push for a strong partnership. The Indian American diaspora, which plays a significant role in fostering ties between the two countries, is eager to maintain a cordial relationship. While individual leaders may change, the shared national interests of the US and India will likely drive the relationship forward. As both countries navigate global dynamics and economic challenges, the future of US-India relations under Trump’s administration remains complex yet promising.
