What's New

U.S. Policies Under Trump Align with India’s Interests

Why in the News?

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that Trump’s policies on multi-polarity, energy stability, connectivity, and technology benefit India, emphasizing collaborations like Quad, India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and trade negotiations during his address at Chatham House, London.

Strategic & Geopolitical Shifts:

• External Affairs Minister Jaishankar highlighted that several U.S. policy priorities under President Donald Trump benefit India.
• He noted that the S. is shifting towards a multi-polar world, which aligns with India’s strategic interests.
• Speaking at Chatham House, London, he emphasized that the S. is now perceiving itself more as a nation rather than part of a Western bloc.
• The Quad alliance (India, U.S., Australia, Japan) was recognized as a key shared enterprise, with all members contributing fairly.
• Trump appears open to collaborative connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and the Indian Ocean Strategic Venture.

Economic & Energy Cooperation:

• Jaishankar welcomed Trump’s policies aimed at stabilizing energy prices, particularly in fossil fuel production.
• He stressed that affordable energy is critical for India’s economic growth.
• Ongoing trade negotiations between India and the U.S. were highlighted, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal visiting Washington D.C. to finalize a trade deal.
• Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, dismissing assumptions of a united BRICS stance against the dollar.

Technology & Financial Stability:

• The S. focus on technology as a global game-changer presents new opportunities for India.
• Jaishankar stressed the importance of internationalizing the Indian rupee, given India’s rising global trade, investments, and tourism.
• While advocating for financial diversification, he acknowledged that the U.S. dollar remains crucial for global economic stability.