The Rise and Fall of India-U.S. Relations Under Trump
Initial Enthusiasm and Shifting Priorities
Few governments greeted Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency with as much enthusiasm as that of Indian Prime Minister narendra Modi. And few faced greater disappointment.
Modi was one of the first world leaders to meet Trump after his inauguration, and India quickly launched trade talks in recognition that commerce was now a central axis of U.S. foreign policy.
The Tariff Shock and Strategic Disappointment
Yet hopes for elevating the India-U.S. strategic partnership came crashing down by August 2018, when Trump raised the tariff on Indian goods to 50 percent. This unexpected move significantly strained the burgeoning relationship.
Part of the problem was Modi’s misreading of Trump’s grand delusions about peacemaking,especially regarding India’s military clashes with Pakistan. Had Modi been more effusive about Trump’s role in saving the subcontinent, the situation might have unfolded differently.
At a Glance
- What: A shift in India-U.S. relations under the Trump management, initially optimistic but ultimately marked by trade disputes and strategic disagreements.
- Where: Primarily focused on bilateral relations between India and the United States.
- When: 2017-2020 (Trump’s presidency).
- Why it Matters: Highlights the complexities of international relations and the importance of accurate assessment of foreign leaders’ motivations.
- What’s Next: the Biden administration has sought to rebuild and strengthen the India-U.S.partnership, focusing on shared values and strategic interests.
- ahmedhassan
The Trump-Modi dynamic serves as a cautionary tale in international diplomacy. While personal rapport can be valuable, it cannot substitute for a clear-eyed understanding of a leader’s priorities and a willingness to navigate potential pitfalls. Modi’s initial overestimation of Trump’s willingness to mediate between India and Pakistan proved costly,demonstrating the risks of relying on personal connections over established diplomatic channels.
Updated: 2025/12/30 23:25:41
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