The relationship between India and the United States transformed during Donald Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021. The two nations evolved from strategic partners to indispensable allies. This period was marked by high-level engagements, defence cooperation, and energy partnerships, albeit with some challenges.
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House in June 2017 marked a very important moment. Trump committed to supporting India in its fight against terrorism. The US backed India’s request to designate terrorist Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Additionally, India’s defence procurement from the US surged to $18 billion annually by 2019. This included access to advanced military technologies, an important shift from previous restrictions.
Energy Partnership Growth
The Strategic Energy Partnership launched in April 2018 facilitated India’s import of crude oil and liquefied natural gas from the US. By 2020, these imports were valued at approximately $6.7 billion. This partnership was crucial for diversifying India’s energy sources and reducing reliance on traditional suppliers.
Trade Tensions
Despite the growing partnership, trade disputes emerged. Trump labelled India as a tariff king and sought to renegotiate tariffs on various goods, including Harley Davidson motorcycles. The US-India trade relationship saw substantial growth, yet Trump’s demands for lower tariffs created friction. The potential for a tariff war loomed, especially with India’s trade surplus exceeding $30 billion in the 2023-24 financial year.
Immigration Challenges
Immigration became a contentious issue. Trump’s hardline stance on illegal immigration raised concerns for the Indian diaspora in the US. The potential for mass deportations could strain diplomatic ties. Moreover, the movement of skilled workers under H1-B visas faced scrutiny, challenging the flow of talent between the two nations.
Shared Strategic Concerns
A aspect of the Trump era was the mutual recognition of China as a strategic threat. The revival of the Quad alliance, involving India, the US, Australia, and Japan, aimed to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This shared concern strengthened the strategic bond between India and the US.
The Future of US-India Relations
As Trump prepares for a potential return to the presidency, analysts predict that existing trade disputes and immigration policies will test the resilience of US-India ties. The personal rapport between Modi and Trump may offer some benefits, but unpredictability in Trump’s approach raises questions about the future trajectory of cooperation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically examine the impact of Trump’s presidency on US-India defence relations.
- Discuss the significance of the Strategic Energy Partnership between India and the US during Trump’s term.
- What challenges did Trump’s immigration policies pose for India? Explain with examples.
- With suitable examples, discuss how shared concerns over China influenced US-India relations under Trump.
