Donald Trump has become US President after defeating Vice-President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election

Let's take a look at his policies on India starting with the good news :

1.????? Foreign Policies Trump's return to the White House indeed brings a lot of potential shifts in global dynamics, especially for India. His previous tenure saw significant defense agreements with India, such as the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), and Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which bolstered intelligence sharing and security cooperation. His strong stance on China, including the trade war and calling out Beijing's ambitions, aligns with India's interests in countering Chinese influence.

Regarding Russia, Trump's ties with Putin and his desire to end the Ukraine war could indeed reduce Western pressure on India for its neutral stance. However, his unpredictability and transactional nature mean that the exact outcomes are hard to predict.

It's a complex web of relationships and interests, but it seems like India could find some strategic advantages in this new era. ?

2.????? Political Interference Trump's approach to foreign policy often emphasized strategic partnerships over domestic political issues. His administration's focus was more on strengthening defense and economic ties with India rather than commenting on its internal matters. This hands-off approach on sensitive topics like Article 370 likely contributed to a smoother diplomatic relationship. It's interesting to see how different leadership styles can impact international relations. ?

3.????? The Modi – Trump Equation Absolutely, personal rapport between leaders can significantly influence diplomatic relations. Modi and Trump have shared a visible camaraderie, which could indeed play a role in maintaining a stable and cooperative India-U.S. relationship. Their mutual admiration and past interactions, like the "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston and "Namaste Trump" in Ahmedabad, showcased their strong personal bond. This could facilitate smoother negotiations and collaborations in various sectors, from defence to trade.

It's fascinating how individual relationships can shape the course of international diplomacy. ?

But with Trump back, there's also some bad news :

1.????? Trade Trump's proposed tariffs could indeed have significant implications for India. His stance on high Indian tariffs and the potential imposition of a 20% tariff on all imported goods could strain trade relations. The proposed 60% tariff on Chinese goods might lead to a global trade war, which India would prefer to avoid.

Under the Biden Administration, there has been notable support for India's manufacturing sector, particularly in semiconductors and advanced technology. It's uncertain if Trump would continue this level of support, given his focus on protectionist trade policies.

Navigating these potential changes will be crucial for India's economic strategy. ?

2.????? Immigration Trump's stance on immigration has indeed been a rollercoaster for many. During his presidency, he implemented stricter policies on H1B visas, calling them a "theft" of American jobs. This led to increased scrutiny and higher denial rates for visa applications. His administration also attempted to restrict work rights for H-4 visa holders, which affected many spouses of H1B workers.

While Trump has hinted at making immigration easier, his track record suggests a more restrictive approach. The uncertainty around his policies makes it challenging for Indian immigrants to plan their futures in the U.S.

Navigating these complexities will be crucial for those affected. ?

3.????? Unpredictability Trump's unpredictability has indeed been a hallmark of his foreign policy. His offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir was not well-received by India. The deal with the Taliban to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan, which excluded the Afghan government, also had significant implications for India's strategic interests.

His contentious relationships with US allies like Japan and South Korea, and his ambiguous stance on defending Taiwan from Chinese aggression, could potentially weaken US alliances in Asia. This shift could indeed bolster China's position, which is not in India's favour.

Navigating these complexities will be crucial for India.