US-India Relations to Continue Strengthening Under Trump’s Second Term, Says Former White House Official
Washington: US President-elect Donald Trump, who shares a close and positive relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to continue strengthening US-India ties during his second term, according to Lisa Curtis, who served as the National Security Council’s senior director for South and Central Asia during Trump’s first term. Speaking to PTI, Curtis said that Trump’s approach towards India, which was shaped by personal ties with Modi and strategic considerations, will remain focused on advancing bilateral relations.
Curtis highlighted that Trump’s first term (2017-2021) saw significant advancements in the US-India partnership, especially in areas such as defense, technology, and regional security. She cited key moments like Modi’s address to 50,000 people in Houston and Trump’s address to a crowd of 100,000 in Ahmedabad, which helped cement their mutual respect and strengthened ties. Under Trump, India gained access to advanced defense technology, including armed drones, and the two countries made significant strides in security cooperation, including the launch of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).
However, Curtis also acknowledged that there were occasional bumps in the road, particularly regarding Trump’s use of tweets to address Indian tariffs and market access issues. She noted that these tweets, which were seen as part of Trump’s transactional negotiation style, caused some tension but did not overshadow the overall relationship. Curtis suggested that similar bumps could arise in Trump’s second term, though both sides are likely to be better prepared for his approach.
Curtis emphasized that the most pressing area for cooperation in the second term would be defense and security, particularly in light of shared concerns over China’s growing influence in Asia. She pointed out that both countries are committed to preventing China from becoming a regional hegemon and agreed that their defense collaboration has the potential to be a key pillar of the US-India partnership.
Despite these areas of convergence, Curtis noted that the US would continue to press India to reduce its dependence on Russian military equipment, particularly in the context of Russia’s isolation following its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, India’s oil imports from Iran have been a point of contention, with the US previously pressuring India to comply with sanctions, though Curtis believed such issues would be handled discreetly in the future.
On the broader geopolitical front, Curtis suggested that while India and the US may never enter into a formal alliance, they will continue to develop a strategic partnership focused on countering common challenges, including the rising threat from China. Curtis also applauded Trump’s picks for National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, noting that both Mike Waltz and Marco Rubio are strong advocates of a tough stance on China.
Overall, Curtis expressed optimism about the future of US-India relations under Trump’s second term, highlighting the importance of deepening defense cooperation and navigating the complexities of the geopolitical landscape, including Iran and Russia.
