What Donald Trump's Win In US Election 2024 Could Mean For India?

Merely a week before the US presidential election, Republican candidate Donald Trump emphasised his commitment to strengthening the “great partnership” between the United States and India

Calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi his “good friend,” Donald Trump, in a Diwali post on X, vowed to enhance ties between the two nations under his potential administration

The former president also condemned recent violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh who faced deadly attacks in the Muslim-majority country

This camaraderie was evident in past high-profile events such as the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Texas in 2019

Where Trump hosted Modi before an estimated 50,000 people, marking one of the largest-ever US gatherings for a foreign leader

In 2020, Modi returned the favour, hosting Trump in Gujarat at the world’s largest cricket stadium Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium where over 120,000 people gathered 

Modi’s “India First” vision aligns closely with Donald Trump’s “America First” policies, each focused on domestic growth, economic nationalism, and securing national borders

Donald Trump’s foreign policy, which has consistently emphasized self-interest and strategic partnerships, promises to directly impact India’s economic and defence landscape

A Donald Trump-led administration would likely prioritise US-centric trade policies, potentially pressuring India to reduce trade barriers or face tariffs

India’s IT, pharmaceuticals, and textile sectors, which export significantly to the US, could be particularly impacted

In September, Trump, despite criticizing India as an “abuser” in terms of import tariffs, referred to Modi as a “fantastic man".

Donald Trump’s stance on China aligns with India’s concerns, and defence cooperation would likely deepen under his leadership

Donald Trump’s policies in South Asia could also affect India’s regional interests

While Trump has shown a willingness to work with Pakistan, he has insisted on accountability in counter-terrorism efforts, which might balance his approach