The diplomatic engagements between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were closely watched events that had far-reaching implications for both nations. Their meetings, particularly during Trump’s presidency, focused on trade, defense, and counterterrorism, among other crucial geopolitical issues. However, the outcomes of these meetings were met with mixed reactions, with gains and setbacks on both sides.
Modi’s meetings with Trump reinforced India’s status as a key global player. His engagement with the U.S. bolstered India’s diplomatic stance and showcased his ability to maintain strong international relations. The meetings emphasized India’s importance in U.S. foreign policy, particularly in countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Trump expressed support for India’s stance on Pakistan-based terrorism, which was a major diplomatic win for Modi’s government. Trump leveraged his ties with India for strategic and economic benefits, particularly in securing defense and energy deals.
The meetings bolstered Trump’s support among Indian-American voters, a key demographic for his political campaign. The U.S. maintained its arms sales to India, further strengthening its defense partnership while countering Chinese influence. Several military agreements, including arms deals and security collaborations, were discussed and signed, enhancing India’s defense capabilities.
The U.S. reaffirmed its support for India’s role in the Indo-Pacific, particularly through the Quad alliance, which also includes Japan and Australia.
Meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi indicates that Pakistan is the main looser because Trump’s endorsement of India’s counterterrorism efforts and his silence on the Kashmir issue disappointed Pakistan. His statements during public events, such as “Howdy, Modi!” in Houston, signaled stronger U.S.-India ties, which Pakistan saw as a setback.
Despite the meetings, trade tensions between India and the U.S. remained unresolved, particularly concerning tariffs, data protection, and market access. Indian exporters, especially in the pharmaceutical and textile industries, faced challenges due to U.S. protectionist policies.
The strengthening of India-U.S. ties posed a challenge to China, particularly in regional geopolitics. India’s increased military procurement from the U.S. was seen as a counter to Chinese aggression along the border.
Overall Impact on India
The Modi-Trump meetings brought both diplomatic and economic advantages for India, though certain challenges persisted:
Strengthened Defense Ties: India secured advanced military technology and strengthened its security framework through arms deals and strategic cooperation. While some agreements were signed, key trade disputes over tariffs and market access remained unresolved. India gained strong support from the U.S. on security and counterterrorism, improving its stance against Pakistan and China.
The meetings helped boost India’s soft power among the Indian diaspora, strengthening ties between the two countries.
Trump’s Response on Khalistan Extradition
One of the critical issues concerning India-U.S. relations is the presence of Khalistani separatists in North America.
During Trump’s presidency, the U.S. avoided making strong public statements about the extradition of individuals advocating for Khalistan, an independent Sikh state. When reporters questioned Trump about India’s demand for the extradition of Khalistani extremists, he gave a non-committal response, avoiding any definitive stance on the issue.
The U.S. has historically maintained a neutral position on such matters, treating them as internal affairs of India. According to a News Agency Reuter President Donald Trump interrupted a reporter to say that he couldn’t understand his question because of his “accent” during a press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday.
The reporter, from news agency India Today, cited how the president’s decision to extradite a suspect in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, Tahawwur Rana, will garner him a warm welcome in India but noted that there are still anti-Indian forces prevalent in the U.S. through Khalistani separatists. The reporter Questioned Trump about what his plans would be to address that.
“You’re going to have to go louder,” Trump first responded.
This prompted the reporter to ask the question a second time, however, the president interrupted to say: “I can’t understand a word he’s saying. It’s not the—It’s the accent. It’s a little bit tough for me.”
Minutes later, after the president finished answering a separate question, another reporter from India Today circled back to ask her colleague’s question again.
In recent years, India has expressed concerns about the treatment of undocumented Indian migrants deported from the U.S. Reports of individuals being sent back in handcuffs sparked diplomatic unease, with India raising the issue formally.
The Indian government viewed this treatment as a violation of human dignity and sought assurances that deportations would be handled with greater sensitivity. However, the U.S. justified the practice as a routine security measure, leading to an ongoing debate between the two nations.
The Trump-Modi meetings played a significant role in shaping U.S.-India relations. While both leaders gained politically and diplomatically, certain contentious issues, such as trade disputes and immigration concerns, remained unresolved. The broader impact of these engagements strengthened India’s global positioning, particularly in defense and strategic matters, while highlighting ongoing challenges in trade and human rights discussions.
