Grim Manifestations

Trump's mindless tariff against India may derail the strategic US-India relations, trigger higher inflation in America apart from affecting Indian trade, and lead to broader global tensions

- VK BAHUGUNA

All over the world, especially many people in India felt happy and reassured after Donald Trump won his second term as US President and took office in January 2025. A large number of people felt that the Democrats had been patronizing destabilizing forces like the so-called "Deep State," which, under the guidance of the CIA, actively promotes anti-India forces, supports Pakistan, and encourages disruption in countries not following American dictates. Many people and media, especially, blamed the Deep State for removing the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government in Dhaka when she refused to allow a US base on St. Martin's Island, and for trying to create disruption during the 2024 General Elections in India.

The narrative may or may not be true, but if there's an iota of truth in it, then it is not a party-based issue in America but rather a well-oiled strategy of the American system to act as a self-appointed policeman of the world. Thus, it is the US State Department's avowed policy to rule the world through proxy regimes and upset those who pursue an independent line. Because of this, the United Nations has also become a futile body, unable to achieve its lofty objectives.

Most Indian writers and media were hopeful that the personal chemistry between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump, developed during his first term, would help forge better relations between the two countries. But Trump is Trump—once in the Chair, he felt he no longer needed to placate immigrant voters like he did when he organized the 'Howdy Modi' community summit in 2019 at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on September 22, 2019. Now, he wants to show the American people that his policy is 'America First' and trade first. He wants to be remembered as the best President of America and is also hoping to win the Nobel Prize for Peace.