Deepanwita Martin
Trump to Strengthen US-India Ties, Promises ‘Golden Era’ Under His Leadership
In an exclusive interview with India Today, international banker and political strategist Anshuman Mishra shared insights into US President-elect Donald Trump’s plans for US-India relations, revealing Trump’s intention to visit India next year. Mishra, who was at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Florida on election night, said Trump expressed his admiration for India and its Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during the celebrations.
Admiration for Indian Political Rallies and Modi’s Leadership
Mishra noted Trump’s particular appreciation for the massive Indian political rallies, recalling Trump’s experience at events like “Howdy, Modi!” in Houston in 2019. “He’s very impressed with the crowds that come to Indian rallies,” Mishra said, adding that Trump often praises Modi’s ability to mobilize support. “He said, ‘I used to think I do big rallies. Then I ended up in Ahmedabad, and your leader showed me what the real crowd is,’” Mishra recalled.
Potential Concerns Over Trade Tariffs
Despite the strong rapport between Trump and Modi, Mishra warned about possible trade tensions. He shared that Trump voiced concerns over India’s trade surplus with the US, suggesting a potential focus on trade tariffs as part of his “America First” agenda. “India has been eating the US for lunch with the trade deficit,” Trump reportedly told Mishra, with plans to prioritize American economic interests potentially through a 20% tax on imports.
Mishra Predicts US-India ‘Golden Era’ Under Trump’s Leadership
Mishra, however, remains optimistic about the broader trajectory of US-India relations, predicting a “golden era” under Trump’s leadership. He highlighted Trump’s deep bond with India, calling it unprecedented among previous US presidents. Mishra suggested that Trump’s second term could even boost PM Modi’s influence in India, envisioning what he called “Trump 2.0 leading to Modi 20,” referencing a seamless continuation of Modi’s leadership through 2034.
No Plans for a China Pivot, Mishra Affirms
Addressing speculations about a possible pivot towards China, Mishra dismissed the idea, citing the strained US-China relations and the Republican Party’s stance on the issue. “There’s no way,” Mishra said, “India is the natural fit, natural ally.” He emphasized the Republican Party’s unwavering focus on supporting India as a key strategic partner in the region.