 "What a second Modi-Trump era could mean for the future of India-US relations")
Over the past decade, the world witnessed the rise of influential leaders who reshaped the global political and economic landscapes of their nations. Among them, former US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi stand out for their commitment to national progress and self-reliance. With distinct and ambitious agendas, they introduced transformative shifts in economic policies and international alliances fostering growth and fortifying their nations’ standings on the global stage. Their unique approaches sparked meaningful dialogue among global economists and political analysts underscoring the enduring impact of their leadership on both the United States and India.
Economic reorientation and self-reliance
Under Trump, the US witnessed significant economic reorientation. His “America First” policies sought to bolster domestic production, particularly through tax reforms like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. By reducing corporate tax rates, the administration stimulated investments within the country, boosting growth across sectors. This period marked a renewed focus on American industry and innovation, encouraging corporations to prioritise domestic markets and fuelling a spirit of economic resilience.
Similarly, Modi’s leadership brought a renewed focus on economic nationalism in India. The “Make in India” initiative aimed to transform India into a global manufacturing powerhouse, encouraging domestic production while reducing dependence on imports. Additionally, major reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) simplified India’s tax structure, promoting more efficient inter-state trade and enhancing economic growth. Modi’s approach laid the groundwork for India’s modernisation, positioning the country as an emerging leader in the global economic landscape.
Strengthening geopolitical alliances
The Trump-Modi era also highlighted a strategic recalibration in foreign policy for both nations. Modi’s vision for a self-reliant and assertive India aligned well with Trump’s emphasis on strengthening ties with nations that shared common goals. Their leadership saw the India and US deepen their partnership particularly in the defence and security sectors. Agreements like the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) enabled closer military and intelligence collaboration enhancing security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsBoth leaders’ commitment to economic self-reliance also paved the way for collaborative efforts to counter global challenges. India’s growing importance in the Indo-Pacific, under Modi’s leadership, complemented the US strategy of maintaining balance in the region. Together with allies Japan and Australia, India and the US strengthened the Quad alliance reinforcing the commitment of democratic nations to ensure stability and security in the face of emerging global dynamics.
A forward-looking vision
As the Modi-Trump era catalysed a shift towards self-reliance and strategic partnerships, both nations strengthened their positions on the global stage. Their initiatives—focused on domestic economic fortification and assertive international engagement—have left a lasting legacy. The economic policies and strategic alliances forged during this period laid a foundation for future leaders to build upon, providing frameworks for innovation, resilience and collaboration.
The legacy of these leaders represents an enduring commitment to national progress and global leadership. In an era marked by rapid economic and technological advancements, their efforts underscore the importance of both self-reliance and strategic partnerships, offering valuable lessons for the future. The Trump-Modi vision has set a trajectory that, if furthered, could propel the United States and India towards even greater economic strength and geopolitical influence in the years to come.
The author is a corporate and legal advisor. He tweets @akshat_khetan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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