Trump's Administration To Give Boost To "Incredibly Important" US-India Ties

India-US relations have become more hopeful since Donald Trump won the presidency, as important appointments and projects indicate a closer alliance between the two countries. It is anticipated that Vivek Ramaswamy, Mike Waltz, Kash Patel, and Marco Rubio will be crucial in forming this partnership.

MARCO RUBIO

India is hopeful that Donald Trump will win the US election, particularly in light of Marco Rubio, his probable choice for secretary of state. Mr. Rubio’s pro-India and anti-Pakistan views are encouraging for New Delhi, as he has continuously supported closer US-Indian ties to counter China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific area.

Introduced in July, Mr. Rubio’s bill seeks to counter “expansionist” China’s influence in the region while strengthening the US-India partnership. Given India’s struggles against China’s aggression, he thinks it is imperative to strengthen strategic ties with New Delhi. In order to support India’s response to territorial threats, the bill suggests treating India similarly to US allies like South Korea, Japan, and Israel when it comes to technology transfers.

“The Biden Administration and the US Congress must prioritise this vital relationship,” Mr. Rubio said in a statement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to the US. On many of the most important issues, our countries’ economic and security interests coincide, particularly the growing antipathy of the Chinese Communist Party in the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas.

This potential status would solidify India-US tech and military ties. Additionally, the bill seeks to bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if found sponsoring terrorism against India. In 2017, Mr. Rubio, who has long criticised Pakistan, urged former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to declare Pakistan a “country of particular concern” for violations of religious freedom.

All things considered, Marco Rubio’s nomination and Trump’s win offer hope for a closer, more strategic alliance between the US and India.

Mike Waltz

Mike Waltz’s appointment as President Trump’s National Security Advisor is anticipated to improve US-India relations, especially in the defence sector. Co-chair of the Congressional India Caucus and a strong opponent of China, Mr. Waltz has long pushed for increased collaboration between the two countries in order to offset China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific.

Under his direction, US and Indian strategic interests may be aligned through increased military cooperation, joint exercises, and improved defence technology sharing.

For India, which has its own geopolitical concerns about China’s increasing aggression, Mr. Waltz’s appointment is especially encouraging as a Chinahawk. India is also concerned about Mr. Waltz’s criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Overall, it is anticipated that Mr. Waltz’s appointment will strengthen economic and security cooperation between the US and India.

MUSK ELON AND RAMASWAMY VIVEK

By cutting bureaucracy and simplifying operations, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, is poised to transform the inner workings of the US government. This initiative may have a knock-on effect, increasing US-India economic cooperation by making it easier for Indian companies to operate in the US and vice versa, even though it has nothing to do with foreign policy.

Strengthening US-Indian ties is still a top priority as Donald Trump starts his second term, with a particular emphasis on thwarting China’s expanding influence and growing bilateral partnerships in important domains like trade, technology, and defence. With notable advancements in strategic cooperation and common geopolitical objectives during Trump’s first term, the groundwork for this collaboration was established.

India can anticipate a closer relationship with the US during Trump’s second term, as the US Congress is expected to confirm the election results on January 6, 2025, and the president will take office on January 20, 2025.

THE KASH PATEL

In addition to the cabinet, Kashyap “Kash” Patel was largely passed over for the crucial position of CIA chief. John Ratcliffe has now bagged it.

However, Kash Patel is being included in the Trump Administration. His presence in the Trump administration could have significant implications. Mr. Patel is an American lawyer of Indian descent, and as a Trump supporter, his appointment could improve relations between the two countries, especially in the fight against terrorism.

His personal experience as an immigrant has shaped his views on immigration, leading him to back Donald Trump’s tough stance on the issue. In order to balance national security and economic demands, Mr. Patel supports border security while permitting legal immigration. His upbringing as the son of Indian immigrants and his own path to becoming a significant player in Trump’s administration are both reflected in this nuanced approach.

Strengthening US-Indian ties is still a top priority as Trump starts his second term, with an emphasis on reducing China’s influence and growing bilateral alliances in trade, technology, and defence. India can anticipate a deeper partnership with the United States now that important appointments and initiatives have been made.