NAVIGATING US POLITICAL SHIFT: LESSONS FOR INDIA FROM TRUMP ERA

With Donald Trump now back in the White House, India stands at a pivotal juncture, facing both opportunities and challenges that will unfold during the earliest days of his administration.

- RAKESH K CHITKARA

Trump's previous tenure left a lasting mark on U.S.-India relations, shaped by a highly transactional approach and a penchant for renegotiating trade dynamics. But this time, the proof of his intentions lies in the actions of his first 100 days—a crucial period that will set the tone for the next four years and define India's role as an economic and strategic partner for the United States.

The X-Factor

Elon Musk's induction into Trump's team as co-head of the newly proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is more than symbolic. Musk's unparalleled influence in global business, spanning industries like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and satellite internet, positions him as a wild card in shaping U.S. policies, including those with significant implications for India.

Musk's ventures—Tesla and Starlink—are already making waves in India. Starlink has stirred debates over spectrum allocation, with domestic giants like Jio and Airtel raising concerns over fair market competition. Meanwhile, Tesla's demands for tariff concessions on EV imports have yet to be resolved, with Musk cancelling a proposed visit to India and prioritizing engagement with China instead.

This duality of considering India as a high-potential market but on Musk's terms could influence Trump's trade and foreign policy decisions.

Given Musk's proximity to Trump and his role in shaping global strategies, India must recognize that his business interests might intersect with national policy priorities, potentially placing India in a challenging position.

Setting the Stage with Key Appointments

One of the first signals of Trump's intentions will be his selection of a U.S. ambassador to India. This choice will reflect whether his administration prioritizes strategic partnership or views India primarily through an economic lens.