India and the United States have long-standing connections in a variety of fields. The relationship has received serious blows in the context of President Donald Trump’s administration. Both countries have encouraged synergies between the nations in the areas of space tech, info tech, education, and defense. Recent tariffs, incendiary comments about Canada from the White House, and geopolitical changes in the global order have created doubts about the future of this partnership.
Additionally, the US has long positioned India as an important strategic partner in counterbalancing China’s expanding influence throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Such an outlook deepens mutual understanding and appreciation, as well as the bonds between the two countries, and reminds us that these connections won’t be broken overnight. As this historical alliance has faced growing pressures in the last few decades, particularly under Trump’s complicating influence, new challenges must be nimbly traversed.
India’s response to Trump’s statements and policies has been cautious so far. The government did not shy away from making its most extreme arguments. For instance, Delhi expressed its determination to take “all necessary measures” to protect its “national interests and economic security” in the face of pressure from Washington regarding its continued purchase of Russian oil.
What is sensitive is Trump’s focus on issues painful to India that have often appeared in his comments. He makes comparisons between India and its largest rival state, Pakistan, usually going so far as to compare their conditions. This position has angered Indian officials. Yet his insistence that the US successfully mediated a ceasefire between the two countries greatly annoys Delhi. This policy claim has caused intense, and understandable, consternation among Indian officials. Politically, Modi’s government is under increasing fire to take action from rising, rightwing nationalists in India. They are perhaps most focused on a strong response to what they view as US affronts.
Most recently, the implementation of tariffs has exacerbated the situation. That’s because Trump has slapped a 50% tariff on all goods imported from India. He cautions that if India does not stop trading with Russia, even steeper tariffs will be next. Now Trump is using economic pressure to get good negotiations. His moves are more than an isolated stunt—they’re part of a larger strategy.
India and the US have their issues, but both countries are equally invested in the growing economic partnership. They have committed to work towards doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. This ambitious target is a recognition of both sides’ desire to continue a healthy relationship even in the midst of rising discord.
Jitendra Nath Misra commented on Trump’s negotiating style, stating, “Trump is a real estate magnate and a tough negotiator. His style may not be diplomatic, but he seeks the outcomes diplomats would.” This pro-Trump perspective helps illuminate why Trump’s approach often seems so abrasive. If done right it has the potential to play a much bigger negotiating hand that works to the advantage of both countries’ interests.
The Modi government’s main strength comes with nationalistic matters. It is now under increasing domestic political pressure to avoid “caving in” to the wishes of the White House. The pressure from Modi’s domestic supporters suggests that any sign of backing down on negotiations might threaten his political future back in India.
Michael Kugelman noted that “the fact that this is happening against the backdrop of heavy and high-level US engagement with Islamabad immediately after an India-Pakistan conflict is even more galling for Delhi and the wider Indian public.” This sentiment reflects a burgeoning skepticism among some circles in India about the US’s trustworthiness as a partner.
Furthermore, Kugelman emphasized that “Trump is unapologetically transactional and commercial in his approach to foreign policy.” This transactional nature poses risks for traditional allies like India, as Trump employs harsh tactics that may alienate partners who have historically enjoyed close ties with the US.
Amid these developments, India remains committed to its strategic interests while navigating the complexities introduced by Trump’s policies. The government is right to remain resolute in defending national priorities against the threat of foreign pressure. The challenge ahead is to continue creating an effective balance between acting to meet understandable domestic pressures, while respecting and preserving critical international relationships.