THE ART OF THE DEAL: INDIA WILL HAVE TO TREAD CAREFULLY TO MAKE THE TRUMP GOVERNMENT AGENDA A WIN-WIN FOR BOTH.

ON JANUARY 25, U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio said his country’s partnership with India continues to reach new heights and will be a defining relationship of the 21st century.

- JOE C. MATHEW

“We look forward to deepening cooperation, including by advancing joint efforts in space research and coordination within the Quad (a diplomatic partnership between India, U.S., Australia and Japan) to promote a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Republic Day greetings from nations are routine. But this one was special. Five days ago, new U.S. President Donald Trump had, in his inaugural speech, re-asserted his “America First Trade Policy,” which entails a review of all trade agreements. On January 24, the White House claimed executive orders signed by the President within the first 100 hours of taking charge have unleashed American prosperity. Over $1 trillion new investment commitments have been secured, it said. It meant the “historic action to kick off America’s golden age” has begun. What needs to be seen is the impact on other nations, including India.