America first, or India

Donald Trump coined the slogan “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) when he first ran for pres ident through a MAGA movement. His consistent message has been “USA First” in almost everything he does in establish ing his policies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems to be following in Trump’s footsteps. A recent headline in an Indian newspaper was Modi’s question: “India First has become the mantra in India’s foreign policy”.

- BASAB DASGUPTA

At first, I was somewhat puzzled. I un derstood Trump’s message. He has been pouring billions of dollars into multinational organizations like UN, NATO, WHO etc, providing military aid to nations like Israel and Ukraine, taking care of millions of illegal immigrants, supplying food and medicine to poor countries in Africa and Asia wherever a disaster hits. At the same time, it seems that the needs of Americans themselves are not being adequately addressed as evi denced by homelessness, addiction prob lems, declining educational standard, weak military and so on.

Trump is saying that he wants to ad dress the needs of Americans first. But India is not engaged in helping other countries, except in a minor mode. So, what does the slogan “India First” even mean? After reading excerpts from Modi’s speech I realized that his vision is slightly different from that of Trump. Modi, not only wants to prioritize India’s interests in any negotiation, he literally wants India to be first in every aspect. He wants India to become a “developed” country by 2047.

Whether it is the economy, science and technology, infrastructure, education, communication, sports and all other as pects of social living. He wants Indians not to just stream but deliver. In all, in the case of Trump’s “USA first” means a “high est priority”. Modi’s adjective “First” refers to being first in the global arena in a competitive sense. As an Indian Ameri can, I welcome both policies. I am part of my Indian heritage and still have a strong bond with my motherland. I celebrate every accomplishment by Indians on the international front, whether it is in sci ence, literature, business, movies or sports. On the other hand, I consider my self as an “American” in my everyday life, profession and general outlook towards life. Trump and Modi seem to have a good working relationship. However, I am be ginning to wonder where I would do if there were a substantial conflict between the US and India.