Donald Trump's presidency was marked by unconventional diplomacy and often surprising pronouncements about world leaders. Among these, his characterization of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very smart man" and a "great friend of mine" stood out, raising questions about the nature and implications of their relationship. This seemingly warm personal connection existed alongside complex geopolitical realities, trade disputes, and differing approaches to global issues.
The two leaders shared certain populist tendencies and a penchant for large rallies and public displays of camaraderie. The "Howdy, Modi!" event in Houston, Texas, in 2019, where both leaders addressed a massive crowd of Indian-Americans, exemplified this public bonhomie. Such events served to strengthen ties between the two nations' diasporas and project an image of strong bilateral relations.
However, beneath the surface of these public displays, significant policy differences persisted. Trade tensions were a recurring theme, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's goods. The United States expressed concerns about India's trade practices and market access, while India sought better terms for its exports. These trade disputes occasionally flared up, creating friction in the overall relationship.
On the geopolitical front, the two countries found common ground in their approach to China. Both the US and India viewed China's growing influence with apprehension and sought to counterbalance it through strategic partnerships. This shared concern provided a basis for closer cooperation on defense and security matters.
Despite the strategic alignment on China, differences remained on other international issues. The US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris Agreement on climate change created points of divergence. India maintained its commitment to both agreements, highlighting the limitations of the personal chemistry between Trump and Modi in overcoming fundamental policy disagreements.
The Trump administration's approach to immigration also posed challenges for the relationship. Proposed changes to H-1B visa rules, which significantly impact Indian IT professionals, caused concern in India. While the two leaders maintained a cordial public demeanor, these policy differences underscored the complexities of the bilateral relationship.
With the change in US administration, the dynamics between the two countries have evolved. While the strategic partnership remains important, the emphasis on personal chemistry has diminished. The Biden administration has adopted a more traditional approach to diplomacy, focusing on multilateralism and addressing global challenges like climate change.
Ultimately, the Trump-Modi relationship was a complex interplay of personal rapport and strategic considerations. While the "very smart man" and "great friend" rhetoric highlighted a certain level of personal connection, it could not fully mask the underlying policy differences and the inherent challenges of managing a relationship between two large, diverse democracies with sometimes conflicting interests.
