Biden Administration’s Pro-India Legacy Will Be Hard to Follow: Expert
The outgoing Biden administration has been described as one of the most pro-India administrations in recent decades, with experts asserting that its approach will be difficult to replicate by future U.S. presidencies. According to Aparna Pande, Director of the Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia at the Hudson Institute, the Biden administration’s policies toward India were grounded in the belief that India’s rise is essential to American national security interests.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Pande highlighted the significant strides made in U.S.-India relations under President Joe Biden, particularly in the areas of security, defense, and high-tech collaboration—areas that India has sought for years. Despite occasional challenges, such as concerns over democratic backsliding and incidents like the ‘murder for hire’ case, the relationship between the two countries remained robust. Pande noted that the Biden administration was able to keep these irritants from derailing the growing partnership.
The U.S. provided critical support to India in areas of intelligence and defense, particularly concerning threats from China and Pakistan, Pande observed. While the two countries did experience differences over Bangladesh, these did not overshadow their shared interests.
Looking Ahead to Trump 2.0
With the upcoming transition to a potential second term for former President Donald Trump, Pande outlined how U.S.-India relations might evolve under the incoming administration. She noted that India continues to receive strong bipartisan support in the United States, with President-elect Trump having a positive relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Trump’s nominees for key positions, including Rep. Mike Waltz and Senator Marco Rubio, have consistently expressed pro-India stances, which suggests that the policies of the first Trump administration—such as the Indo-Pacific strategy, the Quad partnership, and the sharing of high technology with India—are likely to continue.
Pande emphasized that Trump 2.0’s focus on countering China’s rise across economic, technological, and military spheres would align closely with India’s interests, further cementing the U.S.-India partnership. Regarding Pakistan, Pande indicated that while the relationship may remain complex, there is little sign of a significant improvement in the near future. On India-China relations, she anticipates continuity in U.S. policy supporting India.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism surrounding U.S.-India relations, Pande identified several potential challenges under Trump 2.0. These include longstanding trade disputes, concerns over illegal immigration from India, and potential adjustments in legal immigration policies. There may also be calls for concessions in exchange for sharing advanced technologies, particularly in trade or defense sales.
Another key concern will be the Trump administration’s stance on human rights and religious freedom. Pande noted that while the ‘murder for hire’ incident remains unresolved, it is unclear how much attention the new administration will give it in the context of broader U.S.-India ties. Overall, Pande predicted that the incoming Trump administration would prioritize “great power politics” over “strategic altruism.”
Trump, 78, will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, with his nominees for National Security Advisor, Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, both being strong advocates for India. As the administration shifts, all eyes will be on how U.S.-India relations evolve under Trump 2.0, following the legacy of Biden’s pro-India tenure.
