The recent volley between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi encapsulates the perils of asymmetric alliances in an increasingly fractured world order. Trump’s olive branch today “I will always be friends with Modi. He’s great. I just don’t like what he’s doing right now” echoes the halcyon days of their ‘bromance,’ epitomized by the grandiose ‘Howdy Modi’ and ‘Namaste Trump’ spectacles, where they proclaimed unparalleled camaraderie and mutual elevation. In Trump’s first term, this translated to strengthen defence ties, counter-terrorism synergy, and India’s strategic bulwark against China.
Yet, his second inning has unraveled this facade with aggressive tariffs up to 50% on Indian exports framed as retribution for New Delhi’s Russian oil imports amid the Ukraine crisis. Why the double standard? The US overlooks similar trades by Europe and allies, yet penalizes India uniquely, layering additional sanctions that exacerbate a $30 billion trade deficit. This smacks of hypocrisy, especially as a mini-trade deal, poised for closure, now languishes unresolved, stalled by Washington’s protectionism.
The Pakistan angle adds intrigue: Trump’s overtures to Islamabad rooted in business interests and a quixotic Nobel pursuit via Kashmir mediation expose his realpolitik, prioritizing a pliable ally over India’s sovereignty. Modi’s riposte, pivoting to Beijing via the Tianjin summit with Xi Jinping, underscores India’s multipolar calculus: viewing China not as adversary but development partner, while deepening Russo-Indian bonds for energy security.
This rupture, though painful, illuminates India’s centrality. The US, grappling with isolationism, risks alienating a key Indo-Pacific pivot; China gains from India’s outreach; Russia secures a steadfast buyer; Pakistan exploits fissures. Modi’s measured reciprocity today “Deeply appreciate and fully reciprocate” signals de-escalation, but India must fortify endogenous strengths: diversify trade, fortify manufacturing, and assert autonomy.
In this chessboard, New Delhi isn’t a pawn but the kingmaker, ensuring no external caprice derails its ascent.
