India would look to cash in on the
camaraderie built during Trump's first term. Their bromance was on full display
at the 2019 ‘Howdy Modi’ event in the US, where both leaders doled praises for
each other. Modi had famously said, “Abki Baar, Trump Sarkaar”.
However, Trump 2.0 is different—more aggressive, territorial and intent on
upending the world order. But, as contributing editor C Raja Mohan points
out, playing the "transactional"
game with
Trump might not be such a bad deal for India.
Trump has
been using tariffs as leverage to get his way, sparing not even his closest
allies.
His 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium have already got India on edge. He has
even called India a “tariff king” and “abuser” of tariffs in the past.
All eyes are on Modi to see if he can negotiate a trade
deal that
works for both sides and keeps the heat off India.