Washington, D.C.: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington has sparked contrasting narratives on the state of India-US relations.
While the Indian government and its supporters highlight Modi’s skill in balancing national interests with strategic diplomacy, critics argue that US-India ties stand on shaky ground under a volatile and transactional Trump presidency.
Two Diverging Perspectives
- The Optimistic View: Modi navigated the summit strategically, securing early wins while safeguarding India’s long-term interests.
- The Pessimistic View: With Trump’s unpredictable leadership and India’s economic vulnerabilities, the relationship is at risk.
In a discussion on the Grand Tamasha podcast, international affairs expert Rajesh Rajagopalan expressed concerns about a “plateauing” in bilateral ties. He pointed to key challenges:
- India’s trade surplus ($40-50 billion) making tariff disputes inevitable.
- The US-China-Russia dynamic, further strained by the Ukraine war.
- Uncertainty in US policy, impacting India’s economic and security interests.
Strategic Takeaways
Rajagopalan noted that India’s diplomatic agility during Trump’s first term helped stabilize relations, but concerns persist post-Modi’s visit. The real challenge, he argues, isn’t just the state of US-India relations, but the uncertainty surrounding US foreign policy itself.
As both nations navigate economic tensions and geopolitical shifts, India’s diplomatic strategy will be crucial in maintaining long-term stability and cooperation with the US.
