How Trump’s Return May Shape India-US Relations, Explained by Former Aide

Donald Trump’s anticipated return could strengthen U.S.-India ties, driven by shared security concerns over China and solidified defense cooperation. Former aide Lisa Curtis highlighted Trump’s bond with PM Modi, noting past successes like Quad development and defense technology transfers, though challenges around trade tariffs may resurface.

With Donald Trump returning as U.S. President, experts foresee an intensified focus on the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Lisa Curtis, Trump’s former deputy assistant and a senior official on South Asia, highlighted that Trump’s previous term marked a significant elevation in the India-U.S. relationship, and she expects this trend to continue. Trump shares a warm relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exemplified by events like Modi’s address in Houston to 50,000 Americans and Trump’s speech to over 100,000 Indians in Ahmedabad, which Curtis noted as cementing ties between the two nations.

Key challenges that could resurface include discussions over trade tariffs and India’s reliance on Russia for military supplies. Curtis acknowledged Trump’s assertive negotiation style, particularly his use of Twitter to pressurize trading partners, which occasionally strained relations but ultimately did not overshadow broader strategic goals.

During Trump’s first term, the U.S. lifted several technology controls on India and expanded defense cooperation, enabling India to acquire advanced armed drone technology, like the 31 Sea Guardian drones. The Quad, a coalition between the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia aimed at countering China’s influence, also took shape during this period.

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Curtis emphasized that the security partnership should be prioritized, given shared concerns over China’s dominance in Asia and the technology sector. Both countries are poised to collaborate more closely to counter China’s growing assertiveness, making India-U.S. defense ties even more critical. As both nations face mutual security interests, Trump’s return may mark further progress in solidifying India-U.S. relations against shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.