Trump-Modi Summit Highlights Strength of U.S.-India Relationship
President Trump was met with high praise from the Indian PM-and his people- during a visit to New Delhi (Source)
Last Tuesday, President Trump concluded a two-day trip to India in which he met with Prime Minister Modi as well as Indian CEOs for bilateral meetings in New Delhi. Trump’s first official visit to India marks the significance of the U.S.-India relationship and prompts a sentiment of friendship in undertaking joint initiatives in the future.
Trump was met with widespread support from the Indian people - with many lining the streets of his travel route. In fact, according to a recent Pew survey, Trump is met with roughly the same support in India as former President Obama was. His arrival came at a time of controversy for Modi, who is responsible for pushing a citizenship law which discriminates against Muslims but welcomes in other religious minorities. Although Trump says he prefers to stay out of India’s citizenship amendment, he met with Modi on the topic and said Modi is a proponent for religious freedoms and that he hopes Modi will make the right decision about the future of this law. .
Perhaps the most anticipated part of the bilateral meetings was the hope for a new trade agreement between the United States and India. Economic tensions between the two countries have led to a trade standoff in which the United States placed tariffs on Indian aluminum and steel exports, and India placed penalties on U.S. agricultural goods and restrictions on medical devices. Although no plan was officially erected, it seems that one will come to fruition some time this year.
Under the Trump administration, the U.S. trade to India has increased, and the U.S. trade imbalance with India has decreased from $31 billion in 2014 to $25 billion in 2018. In light of this strengthening relationship, India agreed to purchase $3 billion worth of American military helicopters.
Trump also met with Indian CEOs to discuss the forthcoming 5G network, and it was made clear that India will not allow for Chinese equipment to enter India’s 5G infrastructure.
The shared disdain of China between the United States and India has allowed for the two countries to strengthen defense and security ties under Trump’s time in office. In response to China’s growing Belt Road initiative, Trump announced that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation well set up an office in India to cooperate with India’s infrastructure projects.
While Trump’s first state visit to India may not have produced a complete, new trade deal as many hoped, it showed that there is ground to run on in creating a forthcoming plan. The U.S.-India relationship appears to be strong, and growing stronger. Amid more economic and defense cooperation, it is likely that the United States and India will remain allies.