Trump's return: opportunities for India, but the opposition remains skeptical

Trump's return: opportunities for India, but the opposition remains skeptical

Donald Trump recently won the presidential elections in the United States, which resulted in different reactions worldwide. While countries like China adapt to Trump's tougher approach in trade relationships, European allies are concerned about the possible reduction in American security engagement. A remarkable statement by India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasizes that India is not one of the concerned countries.

The Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is optimistic due to Trump's victory. However, there is also disappointment within the Indian opposition party, the congress party. This not only lost an ally in Vice President Kamala Harris, but also suffers from the situation that the United States supported clear political interventions in India's domestic politics under bidges. The congress leader Rahul Gandhi has searched for this support several times and tried to pay international attention. Especially after the return from the United States, where his statements about Indian democracy and the claim that Sikh symbols are not allowed in the country, the congress seems to be losing further influence.

The congress party has not won in the last three election passages. Under Biden, she was able to find concern about India's independent foreign policy, especially with regard to the Ukraine conflict. While the modi government pursues its national interests, these measures at Democrats encounter resistance, since they often put human values and democracy in the foreground. The partly critical remarks of Gandhi have been perceived as part of a collaboration with an anti-Indian current in the United States in recent years.

With Trump's return, the relationship between India and the USA could change fundamentally. This new administration could take the focus from human rights issues and instead put strategic cooperation on the fore. Under the bidet government, the focus was on values that were often interpreted as moral superiority. In contrast, under Trump, the Ministry of Defense, not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, could determine the direction of the Indo-American relationship. Trump has already nominated Senator Marco Rubio as Foreign Minister, who is considered supporters of a stronger strategic partnership with India.

The United States could again develop greater appreciation for India's role as a strategic partner, especially in a geopolitical context that identifies China as the main opponent. A trumped America could put the important role of India as the world's largest importer of armaments. This indicates that the modi government could be the focus of interest, while the opposition is increasingly being pushed into the background.

The congress party has tried to question India's democracy on the international stage over the years. It is all the more ironic that this party, which was historically against foreign interference, is now looking for the support of external forces to influence the balance of power in its own country. In the past, Rahul Gandhi has met with criticism of American politicians, which indicates a possible weakening of national sovereignty. In times when the Indian civil elections hit, the call to real opposition and internal democracy within the congress party is of essential importance to protect the credibility of the political landscape of India.