President Donald Trump’s historic victory makes him the second president ever to return to the White House for a second time after a gap of a four-year term. Before him, the only President to achieve that feat was Grover Cleveland, elected as the 22nd and 24th President of the United States for two non-consecutive terms, from 1885 to 1889 and 1893 to 1897. Trump’s return could significantly impact global geopolitics and strategic security, with an optimistic outlook on fostering world peace. His approach to ending ongoing conflicts, notably in Ukraine and potentially other conflict zones like the Middle East, suggests he may prioritise diplomacy with adversarial leaders, aiming for an amicable resolution.
Trump’s ‘America First’ policy would likely be pursued more vigorously, promoting the economic and strategic interests of the United States. While this stance may lead to stricter immigration policies, it could foster stronger relations with key allies like India, as Trump’s previous term showed a positive trajectory for US-India ties. A renewed emphasis on nationalism and strategic alliances could reshape global dynamics, potentially fostering more stable and cooperative relationships with China and Russia. With the support of technological innovators like Elon Musk, Trump would likely prioritise US technology exports, positioning them as a cornerstone of economic and strategic influence. Additionally, tariff reassessment and trade policies would signal a renewed focus on optimising global trade terms, bolstering the US economy while carefully balancing international partnerships.
As the United States celebrates Trump’s triumph, India should focus on strengthening the evolving dynamics in US-India relations, which often have a pendulum swing. This relationship, which has become a cornerstone for the foreign policy of both nations, holds tremendous potential across technology, trade, security and defence, and immigration strengthening the strategic partnership. While past US administrations have shown bipartisan support for strengthening ties with India, each new administration brings its policies, priorities and challenges.
India’s aspirations from Trump revolve around advancing mutual goals while navigating new geopolitical complexities, including the challenges of balancing its relationship with Russia and managing the impact of Western sanctions. The US needs to respect India’s multilateralism and multi-partnership foreign policy.
India will also look to Trump for a greater role in conflict resolution in Europe and the Middle East while dealing with radicalisation and terrorism with an iron fist. India would expect Trump to tighten the stirrups on Bangladesh and Pakistan and keep their support to terrorism, violence and human rights against minorities under scanner. Besides, India would expect a more pragmatic approach from the US and the 5 Eyes alliance based on evidence of India’s alleged role in assassinations. It would also seek greater priority on extradition of anti-national elements as requested by India repeatedly.
Here are some of India’s key priorities and expectations as it prepares for the new presidential term.
India should focus on strengthening the evolving dynamics in US-India relations, which often have a pendulum swing. This relationship, which has become a cornerstone for the foreign policy of both nations, holds tremendous potential across technology, trade, security and defence, and immigration strengthening the strategic partnership
Strengthening Technology Collaboration
Technology has emerged as a key area of collaboration between the United States and India, with both countries recognising its strategic and economic importance. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) exemplifies this growing focus, fostering cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. India hopes the Trump administration will prioritise this partnership, especially in defence technology, to advance its ambition of Viksit Bharat.
Joint ventures, such as the recent jet engine production agreement between GE and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), demonstrate the potential for deeper tech cooperation. India is likely to advocate for fewer regulatory barriers and streamlined technology transfer processes, which are essential for the defence modernisation and self-reliance goals.
Trade and Immigration: Pursuing Growth and Fair Access
As trade remains a foundational aspect of US-India relations, India’s agenda for the new administration will emphasise creating a more mutually beneficial trade relationship. The United States is India’s No. 1 trade partner, which enjoys a trade surplus with it. A priority will be advocating for the restoration of India’s preferential trade status under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), which would bolster its export-driven economy. India will also encourage the United States to avoid protectionist policies, promoting instead a collaborative approach that supports both nations’ economic growth.
Immigration is a thorny issue, particularly around the H-1B visa programme, which has been instrumental in enabling skilled Indian professionals, especially in IT, to work in the United States. Tightening immigration policies likely under Trump would impact the technology sector in both countries and could strain the movement of talent that underpins their innovation ecosystems. India will seek assurance that visa programmes for skilled workers remain robust, ensuring a stable flow of talent that benefits both economies.
India will likely encourage the new administration to support visa programmes, educational exchange, and initiatives that benefit Indian students and professionals in the United States. The influence of the Indian diaspora also extends into policy perspectives, amplifying India’s priorities within the United States. With people-to-people link, the two countries can enhance understanding, build trust, and lay a foundation for a resilient partnership that transcends governmental change.
Technology has emerged as a key area of India-US collaboration. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) fosters cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. India hopes the Trump administration will prioritise this partnership, especially in defence technology, to advance its ambition of Viksit Bharat
Security and the Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Indo-Pacific region has become a strategic focal point for both the US and India, given rising tensions and security challenges centric on China. India hopes the new administration will uphold the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly through mechanisms like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). The Quad has gained prominence as a forum for promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, counterbalancing the influence of China’s aggressive actions and promoting regional stability.
India will likely emphasise the importance of continuing defence cooperation initiatives, including joint military exercises and intelligence sharing. Foundational agreements such as the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) have laid the groundwork for interoperability between the two nations’ militaries. India hopes to build on this foundation. Additionally, counterterrorism cooperation, which includes intelligence sharing and joint training, is vital for India’s national security, especially given the persistent security challenges in South Asia.
Balancing Relations with Russia and Navigating Sanctions
One of India’s most delicate foreign policy challenges is balancing its strategic partnership with the United States while maintaining longstanding ties with Russia. India has relied on Russian military equipment for decades, and Moscow remains a key supplier of defence technology. However, recent global shifts, including sanctions on Russia following its actions in Ukraine, have complicated this relationship. The US has shown some understanding of India’s position, but the new administration’s approach to Russia and sanctions will play a critical role in shaping India’s diplomatic calculus.
India will likely seek assurances on avoiding punitive measures under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for its defence transactions with Russia. As India diversifies its defence suppliers, it values the flexibility to continue existing partnerships while gradually reducing its dependence on Russian equipment. The challenge for India lies in balancing its historical ties with Russia and its growing strategic partnership with the US. Ideally, India hopes for a pragmatic approach that recognises its unique security needs and complex geopolitical environment.
Human Rights and Values-Based Diplomacy
As two of the world’s largest democracies, India and the United States share a commitment to democratic principles, though their approaches may sometimes differ. India anticipates that the new administration will continue values-based diplomacy, including discussions on human rights, which can occasionally create friction. India’s agenda emphasises handling these issues through dialogue and mutual respect rather than pressure.
India is likely to approach human rights and values-based diplomacy as part of a broader strategic partnership that focuses on constructive engagement. The targeting of minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh needs the US to raise its voice and initiate actions against them.
Tightening immigration policies likely under Trump would impact the technology sectors of India and the United States, and could strain the movement of talent that underpins their innovation ecosystems. India will seek assurance that visa programmes for skilled workers remain robust, ensuring a stable flow of talent that benefits both economies
Advancing a Future-Focused Agenda
For India, the transition to a second Trump era presents an opportunity to consolidate and deepen a relationship that spans economic, strategic, and social spheres. India’s agenda centres on ensuring continuity in areas of mutual interest, including technology, trade, security, and immigration. However, this time, the complexities of global geopolitics particularly the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East add further challenges.
India and the US have an opportunity to strengthen their partnership for mutual benefit. India’s priorities underscore a pragmatic approach, balancing respect for democratic values with the flexibility to navigate complex international relationships. This balanced approach, rooted in shared interests and mutual respect, is essential for building a resilient partnership that benefits both countries and contributes to regional and global stability. The personal bonhomie of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump should see a brighter future for both nations.
India’s message to the next US president is clear: by aligning on shared goals, respecting each other’s unique geopolitical contexts, and fostering open dialogue, the US and India can forge a partnership that supports peace, prosperity, and progress across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The author, a PVSM, AVSM, VSM has had an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. A distinguished Armoured Corps officer, he has served in various prestigious staff and command appointments including Commander Independent Armoured Brigade, ADG PP, GOC Armoured Division and GOC Strike 1. The officer retired as DG Mechanised Forces in December 2017 during which he was the architect to initiate process for reintroduction of Light Tank and Chairman on the study on C5ISR for Indian Army. Subsequently he was Consultant MoD/OFB from 2018 to 2020. He is also a reputed defence analyst, a motivational speaker and prolific writer on matters of military, defence technology and national security. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily carry the views of Raksha Anirveda
