A new catalyst in chemistry – Times of India

By Harsh Vardhan Shringla Former Foreign Minister of India, Ambassador to the US
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi shouted ‘Ab ki baar, Trump Sarkar’ at the Howdy Modi event in 2019, he foretold a future where India and the US, under Trump’s leadership, would foster a robust bipartisan partnership. With Trump returning to the White House, this prediction could herald a new chapter in India-US relations.
Trump’s second term promises a renewed approach to trade and economic ties between India and the US. Although India faced some friction over trade issues during his first term, his renowned deal-making instincts created significant opportunities, and his results-oriented pragmatism is likely to open more doors for India. Notably, even before the pandemic, Trump had been vocal about restoring global economic balance, criticizing the distortions caused by Chinese policies – an area where India’s concerns resonate strongly.
Trump’s respect for India and the Indian diaspora is well known. And where previous US administrations merely threatened to cut military aid to Pakistan because of its support for terrorism, Trump took action – making a strategic change to support India’s security needs. His recent tweet about violence against Hindu communities in Bangladesh reflects his keen awareness of the subcontinent’s dynamics and adds to his established goodwill towards India.
Trump’s commitment to strengthening defense ties with India was a milestone in his first term, especially given his skepticism toward traditional alliances like NATO. Under the Trump presidency, India was elevated to Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 status in 2018, allowing the country license-free access to military and dual-use technologies. Underlying all this is the personal bond that Trump shares with Prime Minister Modi – a bond that previously helped guide our ties and will continue to facilitate diplomatic coordination. Trump accompanied Modi to the Howdy Modi event, one of the most unique and important events in the India-US relationship, and then visited India for the ‘Namaste Trump’ event. With Trump returning to power, the India-US relationship is poised to move forward in a way that will benefit both countries, driven by a shared vision and mutual respect among leaders who understand the importance of action over words .
India is critical to today’s world as a powerhouse of economic growth, digital innovation and democratic stability, shaping global progress and regional security. In the recent past, American presidents, across party lines, have been increasingly cautious about the “India bill.” , which puts the relationship on firmer ground. This was especially visible during Trump’s first term. Trump popularized the term Indo-Pacific and renamed the Hawaii-based US Pacific Command the Indo-Pacific Command, underscoring the increasing importance of the Indian Ocean in US strategic considerations. Trump has also revived an otherwise moribund Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) into an initiative that promotes peace, cooperation and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The industrialization of the India-US relationship reached new heights with the 2+2 Dialogue initiative. Launched in 2018, the 2+2 Dialogue has marked a shift from sporadic engagement to deep strategic cooperation.
Taking into account such milestones during Trump’s first term, India is approaching Trump’s return with enthusiasm and confidence. The Modi-Trump partnership is expected to focus on major achievements in the near future. A potential free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at deepening economic ties and reducing trade barriers between the two countries is a key goal. Both leaders can also focus on aligning their strategies with regional and global issues, especially those related to promoting peace and stability. With shared concerns about conflict in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, both Modi and Trump are committed to promoting a rules-based international order. With Trump’s comeback to the oval office, the trajectory of India-US relations seems poised for a significant upward trajectory.