The Third Eye: Indo-US strategic friendship to remain stable under Trump
India has taken a cautious and balanced approach to US President Donald Trump’s evolving policy framework, recognizing his reputation for unpredictability. As a major global power, India understands the need to navigate Indo-US relations based on mutual interests.
This was evident during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first meeting with Trump at the White House on February 13, following their earlier telephonic conversation on January 27. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to a strong and trusted partnership, highlighting cooperation on global peace, prosperity, and security.
Trump’s administration has prioritized domestic governance, economic growth, and border security, while also taking a firm stance against global terrorism and Chinese influence. His critical stance on China, particularly regarding the World Health Organization and trade policies, aligns with India’s strategic concerns.
The resumption of the Quad Foreign Ministers’ meeting, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscored Indo-US cooperation in countering Chinese expansion in the Indo-Pacific. Trump’s immigration policies, including the deportation of illegal immigrants, have required diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
On global affairs, Trump has displayed skepticism toward NATO and the European Union, which has influenced his approach to the Ukraine conflict. His unwavering support for Israel in the Hamas conflict and his emphasis on US-Saudi economic ties further shape his foreign policy.
A new avenue of Indo-US collaboration is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Trump’s announcement of a $500 billion AI investment aligns with India’s leadership in AI adoption. Modi’s participation in the AI Action Summit in Paris before his US visit reinforced India’s commitment to technological advancement.
During their joint press conference, Trump and Modi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening strategic ties, discussing trade, defense, space exploration, and energy. Trump described Indo-US relations as the strongest they have ever been, with projections of bilateral trade reaching $500 billion by 2030.
The fight against radical Islamic terrorism remains a key pillar of cooperation, with Trump pledging to extradite Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Additionally, Trump’s advocacy of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor aligns with India’s strategic vision.
The Modi-Trump meeting marked a significant step in solidifying Indo-US relations, driven by mutual trust and national interest.
