A pro-American India could win Trump for New Delhi

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The designated president of the United States, Donald Trump, records on his self-chosen title as " Zollmann ". In the weeks before taking office, he pays attention to some of the fastest growing economies in the world.

allegations to the Brics states

At the beginning of the month, he made the front against the BRICS countries by threatening them with 100% tariffs, forming a new currency or the US dollar is completely replaced. India, as a founding member of the BRICS, plays a central role in this intergovernmental organization, which also includes China and Russia. In the past, Trump has described India as a "very large abuse" of bilateral trade relationships, especially during a campaign appearance in September.

tariffs and trade relationships

During his first term, Trump introduced tariffs on steel and aluminum, which triggered a chain reaction of retaliation measures. In addition, he withdrawn the preferred trade status for the country, which caused significant annoyance in Indian officials.

personal relationships with India

Despite these tensions, the designated president maintains a personal relationship with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two men praised enthusiastically four years ago when Trump visited Modi's home state of Gujarat. Observers believe that this close relationship could benefit India during Trump's second term.

India's role within the Brics

The other original Brics member-Russia, China and Brazil-has shown itself as "anti-American", as Harsh Pant, Vice President of the Observer Research Foundation in Neu-Delhi, told CNN. "India remains the only country that is not anti-American." This could bring India in an advantageous position, especially to counteract discussions about a departure from the US dollar.

economic ambitions and geopolitical challenges

The idea of ​​creating a new currency or letting go of the use of the US dollar has long been a goal of some BRICS members. The use of other currencies could help the member states to reduce their dependence on the US dollar. "Trump, who whispers the Brics states in the ear: 'Going this path', India gives more scope," added Pant.

positive perspectives for the Indo-US relationships

In New Delhi there is still a significant pro-American mood. Some observers believe that the relationship between Washington and India is characterized by the conviction that the United States is China on a collision course with the Asian superpower. Pant says: "His first term of office was quite positive, and the relationship with Modi worked well for India, which is why the second term will be less disruptive."

challenges for trade agreements

However,

is not to be expected that India is spared completely from unpredictable interctions of the Trump administration. A universal customs of 10%, as Trump threatens, would target India because India enjoys a trade surplus with the United States.

The potential for negotiations

India is increasingly becoming an important production location for companies such as Apple, while trying to build its supply chains outside China. In the first ten months of this year, the United States imported $ 73 billion from India, while they only exported goods worth $ 35 billion.

Kugelmann and Pant agree that the new-delhi trade weight would cause problems, but those that are not insurmountable. "It is simple, as Trump acts, even strategic partners like New Delhi have to prepare for it," says Kugelmann. Trump is "a negotiator," adds Pant. "It's always about giving and taking. Therefore, the long-term approach in politics has to withdraw in favor of ad hoc approaches."

The ability of India to adapt

India has shown that it is able to find the balance between a good relationship with Trump and the pursuit of one's own interests. The time will show whether this is sustainable, but the perspectives made of new delhi seem to be optimistic.