New Delhi, India — Standing next to United States President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered praise after praise. That was in 2019, ahead of the 2020 US presidential vote, when Trump was facing a major electoral test – seeking re-election to a second term. Modi was, in effect, galvanising support for him among the Indian-American community, the wealthiest diaspora in the US.
Modi even borrowed a line from his own successful election campaigns, saying: “Abki baar, Trump sarkaar!”, Hindi for “This time, a Trump government.” Seven years later, as Trump prepares for difficult midterm elections that could see him lose significant numbers in the US Congress, potentially crippling his legislative agenda, New Delhi’s equation with Washington could not be more different. Far from endorsing Trump, Indian officials have in recent weeks been more direct than ever in their criticism of his administration, amid a series of setbacks to bilateral ties. And many analysts believe the Modi government may now actually prefer a Trump chastened by midterm losses.
India has long enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington. Yet traditionally, New Delhi’s strategic community has often felt more comfortable with Republican presidents in power. It was under Ronald Reagan, as the Cold War wound down, that India and the US reset ties after decades of mistrust amid New Delhi’s strong relationship with Moscow.
Then, between 2006 and 2008, under George W Bush, India and the US struck a landmark civil nuclear deal. India was allowed access to global nuclear technology and fuel despite not being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Under Bush, India and the US also signed major military pacts, including allowing US ships and planes refuelling and logistical access to Indian bases.
By contrast, New Delhi has often seen US Democratic administrations as more critical of India’s human rights record. The tradition of friendly ties with US Republican presidents appeared set to continue under Trump, amid visible bonhomie between the US leader and Modi. The Indian prime minister even called Trump “India’s best friend in the White House”.
But Trump 2.0 has been very different, from India’s perspective. So different that New Delhi has chosen to break with a long-held practice. India usually addresses divisive issues with friendly nations quietly, behind the scenes.
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