On 6th November the conclusion of the world’s most-watched election has ushered in a new chapter in American politics, marked by Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris. With an impressive tally of 295 electoral votes, Trump has secured what many perceive to be a very strong mandate from the electorate. This election, however, was not without its controversies and lawsuits centring around myriad allegations of electoral malpractices prominently from key locations such as Philadelphia, thereby casting an ominous shadow over the legitimacy of the results for some observers. However the US administration this time was more alert since Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Building when Biden was certified to be the winner in January 2021. Amidst scores of recriminations, Trump’s ascension to the presidency has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from various global leaders, from Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungery’s conservative Prime Minister Orban to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who extended warm greetings to Trump after his historic election victory.
Needless to say, it is a remarkable comeback in the face of severe challenges cum Achilles heel. Proving his mettle Trump demonstrated his forte that he could do it again with stunning popularity across states especially in the crucial battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and others. Although according to some commentators like Anthony Zurcher of the BBC “His victory cements a fundamental realignment of American politics toward a conservative populism that began in 2016 and was thought to have been discarded with his defeat in 2020” the appeal of Trump’s popularity grew stronger with time coupled with Elon Mask’s strategies plus objectively the key to his victory derived partly also from the Zeitgeist that rallied not only his supporters but even those who were not traditionally loyalists to the Republican agenda. It resonated through his domestic clout and international recognition underscores the significance of Trump’s victory at a time when geopolitical tensions are whipped up by the revisionist powers and global stability is increasingly turning precarious, hence requiring the healing touch as a symbolic panacea.
Thus, as the world grapples with ongoing conflicts—most notably in Palestine and Lebanon—that are quickly approaching the horrific proportion of severe humanitarian crisis and deteriorating conditions for minorities in South Asia, Trump’s leadership may offer a glimmer of hope. His sweeping electoral success is being construed by supporters as a potential catalyst for renewed American influence on the global stage and as a veritable opportunity to address pressing international issues. No doubt Trump’s election has evoked a mixed reaction in which some like Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan felt apprehensive by the result’s implication for democracy although the optimism surrounding his presidency also suggests that he may pursue policies aimed at fostering stability and promoting peace amid prevailing turmoil and paranoia that America under Joe Biden could not decisively arrest. As nations look up to Washington for guidance during this tumultuous period, Trump’s administration may be dubbed as a saviour for playing a pivotal role in shaping responses to these crises while striving to fulfil his ambitious vision of American greatness.
Therefore, Donald Trump’s victory in the recent elections has the potential to promote and alter U.S.-India relations, particularly in foreign policy and trade realms. Proponents of this shift are optimistic that Trump’s administration will prioritize economic collaboration, thereby enhancing the trade basket between the two matured democracies. This optimism is underscored by an electrified surge in the stock market in India following Trump’s electoral success, suggesting investors’ confidence in a more favourable bilateral relationship. However, this positive outlook is tempered by recent tensions arising from the U.S. administration’s decision to clamp sanctions on 19 Indian firms allegedly involved in aiding Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Such actions highlight the tantrums and strong rebuttal put by the Indian side that complicates their bilateral relations and underscore the need for India to navigate its partnership with the U.S., without, of course, sacrificing her strategic autonomy especially given Trump’s historically impulsive and transactional approach to diplomacy. Herein lies concerns, anxieties and doubts.
Yet, Trump’s presidency could catalyse India to better confront its regional adversary, China, through a strategic trade war that may bolster India’s economic standing while simultaneously addressing security concerns. Also, which can’t go unnoticed is that the political landscape is fraught with instability, particularly in South Asia where issues such as violations of minority rights in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have gathered global attention and contributed to market volatility. A strong U.S.-India alliance under Trump could potentially mitigate these tensions by fostering stability not only in South Asia but also across broader regions like the Middle East where US intervention is urgently required to halt the hostilities especially when Iran feels emboldened to apply tactics through various proxies. Here too Trump has a tough challenge waiting to neutralise Iran because already under Biden US mishandling of the Afghan situation left a vacuum for the collusive China-Pakistan alliance to thrive. Side by side, it also remains crucial for Indian policymakers to remain vigilant and discerning about their engagement with an impulsive partner like Trump, ensuring that India’s and regional interests are safeguarded amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry made remarkable headway in research during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to the collaborative efforts between India, WHO and the United States. This prolific partnership has not only facilitated the development and distribution of vaccines but also underscored India’s role as a global leader in the soft power domain of medical diplomacy. The synergy between the two nations has been further enhanced by shared technological innovations and logistical support, which have proven essential in addressing public health challenges. As both countries continue to navigate the complexities of global health crises, this collaboration is likely to spruce up India’s position as a critical player in the pharmaceutical sector, fostering charity and altruism within the matrix of nationalism and solipsism.
In addition to pharmaceuticals, India’s information technology (IT) sector stands poised for significant growth provided the new U.S. administration’s visa policies are favourable. These changes may facilitate greater mobility for skilled professionals, allowing Indian IT firms to tap into a broader talent pool and enhance their service offerings. Here the chemistry between former President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be leveraged to further boost economic cooperation. Moreover, initiatives such as the Indo-U.S. Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and growing ties with Japan present substantial opportunities for Indian businesses to flourish. Despite China’s ambitious One Belt One Road (OBOR) strategy, these collaborative frameworks provide a robust platform for India to expand its influence in regional trade and investment landscapes.
Interestingly, a recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of prospective international students would not be deterred from studying in the US in the event of a second Trump presidency. This indicates a growing positive estimation of America’s high academic culture, which is universally regarded as a value postulate to attract brilliant youths from other countries. Trump knows well that he is not only the new incumbent on the hot seat but also a seller of ‘the Great American Dream’, which makes his task extraordinary by leveraging his image externally and courting intimacy at the same time. From this perspective, the impact of a second Trump presidency on US-India relations may unfurl new possibilities set by the volition of the leadership although the realizable outcomes won’t be reducible to the rosy narrative of smooth convergence and consensus all the time.
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