The reinstallation of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency has incited a wave of apprehension among numerous nations, prompting a strategic reassessment of their diplomatic stances vis-à-vis Washington. India however seems to be welcoming this geopolitical shift, as it might potentially embolden the position of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Let us be forthright in acknowledging that, at present, many countries are apprehensive regarding their rapport with the United States,” remarked India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, over the weekend. He further observed that India doesn’t include itself among the anxious nations marked by this recent geopolitical transition.Modi’s outreach to Trump, he noted, “was among the first three calls, I believe, that President (elect) Trump engaged with.”
A second term for President Trump is projected to bring many potential favours for New Delhi, analysts suggest, specifically as Prime Minister Modi endeavors to reinforce India’s rapport with Western powers following recent tensions after his refusal of of joining sanctions against Russia or denounce its comprehensive 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Furthermore, Modi’s administration has faced scrutiny regarding perceived democratic regression within the country.
“Trump’s electoral triumph indicates that the policies pursued by India, that have positioned New Delhi at odds with the West …are unlikely to remain a focal point of apprehension for Washington,” remarked Michael Kugelman, Director for South Asia at the Wilson Center. Potential disruptions may emerge in areas such as trade, immigration policies, and climate change initiatives. However, overall, “the resurgence of Trump suggests that India’s diplomatic engagement with Western powers—most notably with the preeminent United States—will likely experience a revitalization,” he opined.
Prime Minister Modi has attempted to place India as an ascendant force on the global arena, fueled by a robustly expanding economy capable of counterbalancing China’s influence. But critics argue that his authoritarian political orientation & right-leaning Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has led to deep societal polarization. This has reportedly resulted in the increasing marginalization of minority communities and a troubling erosion of rights concerning free speech and the independence of the press.
During President Joe Biden’s state reception for Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, he navigated a delicate balance amidst significant pressure from activist circles and various advocacy organizations urging him to address concerns surrounding Modi’s human rights track record. Still, the two leaders worked unitedly on new business deals in the domains of defence and Technology. “From an Indian perspective, Trump represents an invigorating recalibration … he is much more transactional”, remarked Uday Chandra who is a distinguished scholar in South Asian and foreign policy affairs.
Trump, who has long expressed open admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, is anticipated to exhibit a more accommodating stance towards India’s enduring strategic alignment with Moscow.
