Business-Centric Diplomacy
The meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was heavily focused on business and trade, with no emphasis on promoting democracy or citizen freedoms. The interaction underlined Trump’s preference for power dynamics over democratic values, reflecting a pragmatic perspective prioritizing economic interests.
Trade and Economic Discussions
- Trump criticized India's tariffs, suggesting a reciprocal tariff structure to balance trade inequities.
- Modi aimed to increase US-India trade to $500 billion by 2030, up from $192 billion in 2022.
- The new trade targets imply significant increases in imports and exports between the two nations.
Power Dynamics in International Relations
- Trump's foreign policy is driven by the relative power of nations rather than democratic values.
- India, as a relatively less powerful partner, aligns its economic policies to accommodate US interests.
Immigration and Domestic Policy
- Modi agreed to repatriate illegal Indian immigrants in the US, aligning with Trump's immigration policies.
- Modi attributed illegal immigration to human trafficking gangs, though job scarcity in India is a significant factor.
Defence and Technological Partnerships
- India plans to strengthen its defense ties with the US, moving away from reliance on Russian weaponry.
- Collaborations in artificial intelligence and quantum computing are highly beneficial for India's technological advancement.
- Trump praised India's contributions to the tech sector, highlighting the importance of ongoing cooperation.
H-1B Visa Concerns
- The meeting did not address the H-1B visa issue, despite its significance for Indian tech workers.
- There is tension between Trump's base, which opposes these visas, and business leaders who support them.
Conclusion
The summit emphasized Trump's preference for power dynamics over democratic ideals. Modi’s concessions to US demands, particularly in trade and immigration, illustrate India's strategic alignment with US interests to leverage economic and technological benefits. However, the absence of discussion on democracy and the reluctance to address the H-1B visa issue highlight the complex interplay of politics and trade in international relations.
