Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the many leaders in Asia who are pleased to see Donald Trump return to the White House.
Modi was one of the first major leaders to congratulate Trump on his “historic” win in the recent election. He shared photos of himself and Trump holding hands at a rally in Houston five years ago and followed up with a phone call.
Trump’s return gives Modi an opportunity to enhance India’s image with the U.S. and its allies amid growing scrutiny over India’s ties with Russia’s Vladimir Putin and its involvement in violence against Sikh activists in the U.S. and Canada.
Officials in New Delhi anticipate that a new Trump administration would be less demanding of accountability from India’s government regarding alleged extrajudicial killings, unlike the Biden administration which had pushed for investigations.
Analysts believe that under Trump, the U.S. will continue efforts to strengthen ties with India as a strategic partner against a more assertive Beijing, leading to increased investments from American companies like Apple Inc.
On the trade front, India may face new challenges under Trump with reduced cooperation on technology sharing and defense. There are concerns over potential trade headaches and decreased collaboration in critical technologies due to Trump’s protectionist tendencies.
Trump’s return could make it easier for India to balance its Russia ties while maintaining relations with the U.S., although pressure from Ukraine and the U.S. could continue due to Modi’s connections with Putin.
Despite past challenges, Indian diplomats believe that Trump’s focus on countering China will ensure continued engagement with India.
Trump’s push for tax breaks and lower import duties for American companies, as well as tighter immigration limits, are areas of concern for India in his second term.
