President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has sent shockwaves around the world, but the sentiment in India is predominantly hopeful regarding his second term. Despite being just over a week into his presidency, India seems willing to embrace his pragmatic style of diplomacy.
Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a “productive call” on Monday, focused on “expanding and deepening cooperation.”
During the call, the leaders deliberated on geopolitical matters and trade relations between the two nations. Trump stressed the necessity for India to boost its procurement of American security apparatus to recalibrate the trade dynamics. This conversation is believed to be one of Trump’s initial discussions with foreign leaders since assuming office.
The Trump administration comprises notable Indian-American figures. Kash Patel, Trump’s choice for FBI director, is undergoing a crucial Senate confirmation hearing this week. If approved, Patel will emerge as the first Indian American to lead the FBI and the youngest director in its history. Notably, Trump has also nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for the position of director at the National Institutes of Health, along with Harmeet K. Dhillon as assistant attorney general for Civil Rights. Furthermore, individuals like former presidential candidate for 2024 Vivek Ramaswamy and senior policy adviser on AI, Sriram Krishnan, already hold key advisory roles in the administration. While they have inspired optimism among many Indian immigrants, Krishnan, a first-generation Indian, has become a polarizing figure among MAGA supporters. In another significant stride, Usha, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, stands as the first woman of Indian descent to serve as the second lady, despite not being a cabinet member.
India remains optimistic about strengthening its relationship with the U.S. under Trump’s leadership, viewing it as an opportunity to further its strategic interests on the global stage. Modi is expected to meet with Trump as soon as next month. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to visit India later this year to attend a Quad Leaders’ Summit hosted by New Delhi.
“The fact that India, with its nationalist government and strong confidence as a rising power, would so quickly and publicly acknowledge a willingness to consider making concessions to the U.S. says a lot about just how much it wants its partnership with Washington to work in the second Trump administration,” Kugelman said.
