May 6, 2025 3:24 am
Full News

India Leans on Modi-Trump Relationship to Steer Future Ties with U.S. Amid Potential Trade, Immigration Tensions

Modi’s Connection with Trump Seen as Key to Navigating U.S.-India Relations

As Donald Trump prepares to assume office after a surprising victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, India faces challenges in preserving its close ties with the U.S., especially with Trump’s “America First” stance, which could lead to renewed trade tariffs and stricter immigration policies. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, hopes that his personal rapport with Trump will help temper potential friction.

Impact of Trade Tariffs on U.S.-India Economic Relations

Trump’s campaign promises to impose higher tariffs to protect American jobs and industries pose a risk to U.S.-India trade relations. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached nearly $120 billion last year, with India maintaining a $30 billion surplus. Analysts caution that Trump’s protectionist policies could disrupt key Indian export sectors, including information technology, pharmaceuticals, and automotive.

Experts, like Biswajit Dhar from New Delhi’s Council for Social Development, warn that the implementation of Trump’s campaign rhetoric on trade could strain relations, potentially reversing years of progress. Michael Kugelman from the Wilson Center adds that the Biden administration’s low-profile approach to trade imbalances with India may now come to an end.

Concerns Over Trump’s Anti-Immigration Stance

India may also face renewed challenges in addressing immigration issues, particularly concerning the H-1B visa program, which is crucial for Indian professionals in the U.S. During Trump’s previous tenure, denial rates for H-1B visas surged, impacting thousands of Indian workers. The return of Trump’s tough immigration policies could create another strain on the U.S.-India relationship.

Former diplomat Anil Trigunayat suggests that while India hopes for a more open approach, Trump’s stance on immigration is unlikely to soften. Nevertheless, having faced these challenges before, India is better prepared this time around, he noted.

Strategic Balancing with Russia and China Remains Key

The Biden administration’s pressure on India to distance itself from Russia over the Ukraine conflict may lessen under Trump, who has favored diplomatic solutions over military confrontations. India’s growing trade with Russia, which reached $65.6 billion this year, could continue with fewer repercussions from Washington. Kugelman suggests that the focus on countering China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region will remain a unifying factor in U.S.-India relations, despite potential disagreements on other issues.

Navigating Allegations of Targeting U.S.-Based Separatist

One significant tension point could arise from allegations that Indian agents targeted a U.S.-based Sikh separatist. Experts suggest that Trump, known for his nationalist approach, might take a strong public stance on the issue. However, Harsh Pant of the Observer Research Foundation believes that Modi’s rapport with Trump could help manage the fallout more effectively than under the Biden administration.

Modi-Trump Bonhomie Seen as Diplomatic Advantage

With a history of personal diplomacy, Modi’s established relationship with Trump could prove instrumental in preserving and strengthening ties. Walter Ladwig from King’s College and Kugelman agree that Modi’s diplomatic style and close ties with Trump may offer India a valuable access point to the White House.

Related News
Anger Erupts After Accidental Fire Evacuation Alert Sent to Millions in LA
Israel Launches First Airstrike on Beirut After Ceasefire Agreement with Lebanon
Global ‘Obesity Pandemic’ Begins: The Lancet
Trump Eyes Canada as 51st State in Bold Economic Move
Biden Administration Announces $1.25 Billion Military Aid Package to Ukraine Ahead of Trump Inauguration
United States Engages in Talks with Iran, Bypassing Europe
Related Posts
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Possible “At Any Moment
Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Indus Waters Treaty, Prepares Formal Notice
India Suspends Indus Water Treaty Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
Myanmar Junta May Weaponize Nuclear Power Plant, Warns UN Envoy
India-Pakistan Tensions Escalate Following Pahalgam Attack
Trump Announces 100% Tariff on All Foreign Films
More News

U.S. Military Planes Land in Swarms in Israel

U.S. military planes are landing in swarms in Israel. In the past 24 hours, nine American military transport aircraft have landed in the country. On Thursday (April 18), Turkish news agency Anadolu Agency reported the information citing Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan. According to the report, the aircraft landed at an Israeli airbase near Tel Aviv. […]

Indian Diplomat Arrested in Russia for Alleged CIA Espionage, Straining Ties with Moscow

In a dramatic development, Russian intelligence has detained an Indian diplomat on charges of spying for the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The arrest raises questions about India’s diplomatic credibility and its balancing act between longstanding ally Russia and its growing ties with the West. The accused diplomat, whose identity remains undisclosed, is alleged […]

Supernatural Stars to Appear in ‘The Boys’ Season 5

The fifth and final season of The Boys is about to get Supernatural. Fans of the long-running series Supernatural were thrilled to hear that Jared Padalecki, Misha Collins, and Jensen Ackles will be making special appearances in the upcoming season of The Boys. On February 26, the trio, who starred in Supernatural, shared the exciting […]

Suspected Sabotage Disrupts Baltic Undersea Cables Amid Rising Tensions

U.S. allies in Europe are investigating what German officials suspect is sabotage after two critical undersea cables in the Baltic Sea were severed, raising concerns about hybrid warfare amid heightened tensions with Russia. What Happened German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said the damage appears deliberate. “Nobody believes these cables were cut accidentally,” he remarked, describing […]

Brazil Can’t Win World Cup Without Neymar, Says Romario

Brazil is going through one of the worst times in their football history. They can not leave behind the journey of failure that started with the Qatar World Cup. In the meantime, the date of the 2026 World Cup has started to come forward. As a month, the World Cup is now 18 years away. […]

Tanzania Faces Deadly Marburg Virus Outbreak, WHO Confirms

NAIROBI (Reuters) – A suspected outbreak of the Marburg virus in northwest Tanzania has infected nine people, killing eight of them, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said, weeks after an outbreak of the disease was declared over in neighbouring Rwanda. The viral hemorrhagic fever has a fatality rate as high as 88%, and is […]

Nations Celebrate Agreement on Funding to Protect Nature at UN Talks

Rome, Feb 28: Nations celebrated a last-minute breakthrough deal on February 27 to map out crucial funding to protect nature, overcoming geopolitical tensions at the UN talks. The agreement was seen as a significant test of international cooperation. A delicate compromise between rich and developing countries was reached on raising and delivering the billions needed […]

Dr. Muhammad Yunus: Spinning Lies on Global Media While Bangladesh Burns

Aminul Hoque Over the past week, Dr. Muhammad Yunus has been on a media spree, giving interviews toBBC Bangla, BBC India, and Sky News UK. His sudden engagement with the internationalpress comes at a time when Bangladesh is teetering on the edge of chaos—law and orderhave collapsed, mob rule has become institutionalized, the economy is […]

David Warner’s Career: Over Yet Not Over

David Warner has declared his international career a “closed chapter” but at the same time, the Australian batting great won’t mind padding up again. Australia’s opener David Warner played his last Test match in January. He expressed his desire to come out of retirement and return to red ball cricket before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Warner […]

A Tale of Two Syrians: A Story of Hope and Fear Amid Syria’s Uncertain Future

After more than 13 years in exile, Ahmad Morjan’s dream of reuniting with his family became a reality. When he reached the door of his childhood home in Aleppo, he found his mother in prayer. Overwhelmed with emotion, Morjan knelt beside her, both thanking God for a reunion they feared might never come.Their heartfelt embrace, […]