ASSIGNMENT
Global Politics
Sem 4
CA 2
By- Priya Tripathi
Roll no. 23/pol/091
Submitted to – Ms Akansha
Relevance of Trump for India
Introduction
Over the past few decades, the relationship between India and the
United States has undergone a substantial transformation,
transitioning from mutual suspicion to a strategic partnership that is
defined by shared economic interests and democratic values. The
election of Donald Trump as President in 2016 was a critical juncture
in this relationship, as his administration embraced a more assertive
approach to global partnerships. It is imperative to examine the
manner in which this will affect India-U.S. relations as Trump
commences his second term following his re-election in 2024.The
objective of this article is to conduct a thorough analysis of the
potential advantages that India could accrue under Trump's leadership.
It will concentrate on a variety of topics, including energy
partnerships, defence cooperation, economy, and regional security
dynamics. Moreover, it will examine the obstacles that may result
from Trump's policies and the methods by which both countries can
navigate these complexities in order to improve their bilateral
relationships.
The Trump Administration's First Term (2017-2021)
The relationship between the United States and India underwent a
substantial transformation during Donald Trump's inaugural tenure.
His administration prioritised strategic partnerships that were founded
on mutual interests, rather than ideological alignments or historical
connections (Kumar & Singh, 2022). During this time, the following
were the most significant developments: 1. Defense Cooperation: The
U.S.-India defence relationship was deepened substantially because of
the escalation of military exercises and joint operations. 2. Trade
Relations: Although disputes regarding tariffs and trade imbalances
hindered bilateral trade, it achieved unprecedented levels of growth. 3.
Counterterrorism Efforts: The Trump administration provided
assistance to India in its endeavours to combat cross-border terrorism
that originated in Pakistan .
Strategic Benefits for India Under Trump 2.0
As Trump begins his second term, several strategic benefits are likely
to emerge for India:
Enhanced Defense
1. Cooperation Defence cooperation has been one of the most
significant aspects of U.S.-India relations. This partnership is
anticipated to strengthen under Trump's leadership by:
2. • Technology Transfers: The Defence Technology and Trade
Initiative (DTTI) is one of the initiatives through which the
United States has initiated the transfer of advanced military
technologies to India. India is expected to maintain this
trajectory, which will facilitate the modernisation of its military
(Chaudhary & Sharma, 2023).
3. • Joint Military Exercises: The interoperability between Indian
and U.S. forces has been enhanced through the implementation
of regular joint military exercises, including Malabar and Yudh
Abhyas. The operational readiness against prevalent hazards
can be improved by increasing the frequency and complexity of
these exercises. (Srinivasan & Choudhury, 2023).
4. • Regional Security Frameworks: The U.S., India, Japan, and
Australia, collectively known as the Quad (Quadrilateral
Security Dialogue), are committed to maintaining stability in
the Indo-Pacific region against Chinese aggression. A more
robust Quad framework that emphasises collective security may
result from Trump's re-election.
2. Economic Collaboration
Economic ties between India and the U.S. have grown significantly
over recent years:
1. • Trade Growth: India's main trading partner is the United
States, with bilateral trade surpassing $150 billion annually
by 2023 (Ministry of Commerce & Industry [MCI], 2023).
Sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and
information technology may experience additional expansion
as a result of persistent emphasis on economic collaboration.
2. • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The Trump
administration has expressed a desire to boost foreign direct
investment (FDI) into India, with a particular emphasis on the
manufacturing sector, as evidenced by initiatives such as
"Make in India." This has the potential to increase India's
manufacturing capabilities and generate employment
opportunities
3. • Digital Economy Partnerships: There are opportunities for
collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial
intelligence (AI), and fintech, as both nations are
concentrating on digital transformation .
3.Energy Partnerships
Energy security is a critical component of India-U.S.
relations:
1. • Diversification of Energy Sources: The U.S.’s emergence
as a leading producer of oil and natural gas presents an
opportunity for India to diversify its energy sources away
from traditional suppliers like Iran .
2. • Renewable Energy Collaboration: Both countries have
pledged to combat climate change by implementing
renewable energy initiatives. American companies can
access one of the fastest-growing markets while
simultaneously enhancing India's renewable energy
capacity through collaborative initiatives .
4,Counterbalancing Regional Threats
China's growing influence poses challenges not only for India
but also for global stability:
1. • Strategic Alliances: A robust partnership between the United
States and India can act as a counterbalance to China's assertive
policies in the South China Sea and its Belt and Road Initiative
(BRI) .
2. • Intelligence Sharing: Enhanced intelligence-sharing
mechanisms can improve both nations' capabilities to address
shared security concerns related to terrorism and regional
instability.
Comparison: Trump’s Second Term vs. Biden’s
Presidency
International Relations and Alliances:
Biden worked to strengthen global ties by re-engaging with allies
through NATO and multilateral partnerships, aiming to restore
America’s global leadership. Trump, however, has emphasized a more
inward-looking approach, showing skepticism toward traditional
alliances and reducing the U.S. role in international bodies.
Trade and China Policy:
Biden tackled trade tensions with China using coordinated diplomatic
strategies, targeted sanctions, and advocacy for human rights. Trump,
in contrast, returned to broad, sweeping tariffs as his main tool,
pushing for economic separation from China to restore domestic
industry.
Middle East Engagement:
Biden favored diplomacy and attempted to ease tensions in the
Middle East, including re-establishing communication with Iran.
Trump’s strategy reflects a retreat from regional diplomacy, signaling
reduced U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.
Immigration Policy:
Biden promoted a more welcoming immigration system, expanding
protections for undocumented immigrants and creating new legal
pathways. Trump’s administration continues to focus on strict
immigration enforcement, with tougher visa policies and faster
deportation processes.
Climate and Environmental Stance:
Biden prioritized environmental issues, rejoining the Paris Agreement
and advancing green energy projects. Trump has reversed these
efforts, prioritizing deregulation and support for the fossil fuel
industry over environmental protections.
Economic Philosophy:
Biden emphasized recovery through public investment in
infrastructure, social support, and worker rights. Trump’s economic
model centers on cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and minimizing
government intervention to stimulate business growth.
Judicial Appointments:
Trump has continued to appoint conservative judges, shaping a right-
leaning judiciary for years to come. Biden’s judicial picks aimed to
bring more diversity and uphold civil liberties within the legal system.
Positives and negative impact on India;
Positive Impacts on India:
1. Stronger Strategic and Defense Partnership:
Under Trump’s leadership, India’s role as a regional ally has grown
more significant, leading to closer defense ties, increased military
collaboration, and prospects for major defense deals.
2. Scope for Technological Collaboration:
With a renewed U.S. focus on technological dominance—especially
in areas like AI—India has the opportunity to strengthen its
cooperation through platforms such as the U.S.-India COMPACT.
3. Advantage from Supply Chain Diversification:
As Trump pushes to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese manufacturing,
India could benefit by attracting American companies looking to shift
operations, boosting domestic industry and exports.
4. Elevated Strategic Position in Asia:
Trump’s confrontational approach to China makes India a vital player
in regional security, giving it greater influence in geopolitical
decision-making and diplomacy.
Negative Impacts on India:
1. Steep Import Tariffs:
The 26% tariff on Indian products makes it harder for Indian
exporters to compete in the U.S. market, potentially hurting key
sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
2. Restrictions on Work Visas:
Proposed changes to immigration rules—particularly the H-1B visa
program—could limit opportunities for Indian professionals and
disrupt Indian businesses operating in the U.S.
3. Limited Climate Cooperation:
Trump’s rollback of environmental regulations and re-exit from the
Paris Agreement could stall joint efforts with India on climate change
and sustainable development.
4. Volatile Trade Environment:
India faces uncertainty under Trump’s unpredictable trade policies,
making it difficult to establish long-term economic strategies or
secure stable trade agreements.
Conclusion
Overall, Donald Trump’s influence on India-U.S. relations—spanning
his first term (2017–2021) and current presidency (2025)—has been
both impactful and complex. His earlier tenure helped strengthen
defense and strategic collaboration, while his return to power has
intensified protectionist policies and unilateral decision-making.
These shifts offer India certain strategic benefits but also pose
economic and immigration-related challenges. In contrast to Joe
Biden’s cooperative, multilateral style of governance, Trump’s
leadership focuses on prioritizing U.S. interests above all else. As a
result, India must navigate this changing landscape carefully,
maximizing partnership opportunities while safeguarding its own
national and economic interests.
References
1. Basu, S., & Venkatesh, R. (2021). Economic Ties Between India
and USA: Trends and Challenges. Indian Journal of Economic Policy.
2. Chaudhary, P., & Sharma, R. (2023). Defense Technology
Transfers Between India and USA. Strategic Studies Quarterly.
3. Khan, A. R. (2020). India-U.S Relations During Cold War Era.
South Asian Review Journal.
4. Kumar, A., & Singh, P. K. (2022). U.S.-India Relations Under
Trump Administration. Global Policy Review.
