INDIA MUST PLAY THE TRUMP CARD WISELY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Washington was brief yet significant.

- Shivanand Pandit

The positive optics and their evident camaraderie indicate a solid foundation for India-U.S. relations over the next four years. However, Shivanand Pandit says that as India navigates its engagement with the new U.S. administration, it must carefully evaluate its interests, assert its position when necessary, and push back where required to protect its strategic and economic priorities. A relationship built on short-term gains, rather than principles of statecraft, legality, and humanitarian values, may not serve India’s long-term interests in strengthening ties with the United States.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Washington was brief yet significant, marked by several key developments. Taking place less than a month after U.S. President Donald Trump assumed office, Modi became the fourth world leader to engage in bilateral talks with him, following the leaders of Israel, Japan, and Jordan—all-important U.S. allies. The joint statement issued after their meeting highlighted various substantive discussions. While much of the focus was on India’s purchases of American goods and investments in the U.S., both sides managed to sidestep some anticipated challenges. A major announcement was the launch of ‘Mission 500,’ aiming to achieve $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, along with the initiation of discussions on a free trade agreement, with the first draft expected this year. President Trump also confirmed an increase in Indian imports of U.S. energy, oil, and defence equipment—steps expected to help reduce the $45.7 billion U.S. trade deficit within the $130 billion total goods trade.