Donald Trump's second stint as the US President—popularly known as Trump 2.0—has seen a discernible change in Washington's strategy towards India from his first term.
Trump 1.0
Under Trump 1.0 (2017–2021), Indo-US ties were generally trending upwards. Trump's government supported India on key matters such as terrorism, stood with the listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed leader as a global terrorist, and upgraded India to Tier 1 of the Strategic Trade Authorization, alongside the inclusion of NATO allies in sensitive technology import. Defense relations were strengthened, key foundational agreements were inked, and the US openly named China as a strategic competitor, which itself matched India's apprehensions.
In spite of some tension on tariffs and Trump's contentious offer to intervene in Kashmir, the general relationship was marked by strategic convergence and increasing trust.
Trump’s 2.0
This is in contrast to Trump 2.0, which has introduced continuity as well as new challenges. Strategic cooperation continues to be robust—reflected in continued high-level exchanges, the pressure to expand the Quad, and fresh defense pact announcements—while tensions have grown over trade, tariffs, and India's international alignments.
What US official said about India
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has just pointed out two long-standing American complaints: India's continued purchase of Russian military equipment and its active membership in the BRICS alliance, which aims to lower dependence upon the US dollar. Lutnick characterized these actions as having "rubbed America the wrong way" but admitted that India is now coming closer to purchasing arms from the US and is specifically addressing those issues in talks.
Dramatic change in Trump’s approach
The trade policy of the Trump administration has also turned more aggressive. The US has put new tit-for-tat tariffs on Indian products and pushed for increased market access, though both are engaged in negotiations for a broad trade agreement. While this tension exists, Commerce Secretary Lutnick was recently optimistic that a beneficial agreement for both parties is near, highlighting the incredible growth and potential of India's economy.
Trump 2.0's strategy has also been characterized by a more transactional and, at times, combative tone. For example, there have been reports of Trump pressing US technology firms such as Apple to shift production away from India, and of his government sidelining bureaucrats who praised India during delicate operations. Trump has even attempted to claim credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire, reflecting his tendency to insert himself into South Asian issues.
Overall, while Trump 1.0 was characterized by intensifying strategic relations and American support for India's ascendancy, Trump 2.0 is marked by an aggressive approach towards trade, outright denunciation of India's Russia and BRICS alignments, and willingness to employ economic pressure in pursuing American interests.
However, even with these new irritants, both governments keep striving towards ambitious objectives—doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030—implying that the partnership, if more complicated, is still critical to both of them