As Prime Minister Modi wrapped up a historic visit to the U.S., India’s World spoke with Ambassador Nirupama Rao, former Foreign Secretary to the Government of India (who retired in 2011), to discuss Trump 2.0 and its implications for global dynamics.
In her distinguished career, Amb. Rao led India’s embassies in Peru, China, and the U.S., as well as the High Commission in Sri Lanka. After retiring, she writes on international affairs for prestigious publications like Foreign Affairs and Foreign Policy. She is also the author of The Fractured Himalaya: India, Tibet, China 1949-1962 (Penguin Random House, 2021).
Ankit: PM Modi’s recent US visit saw a flurry of announcements, agreements, and notable optics. With your seasoned expertise, could you help distinguish the substantive outcomes from the symbolic gestures? What stood out to you, and more broadly, how would you assess the current state of New Delhi’s relationship with Washington?
Amb. Rao: The visit was strategically significant, balancing both substance and symbolism. A lot has been said about the well-publicized chemistry between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, which was clearly evident. In my view, one cannot underestimate the chemistry of diplomacy, although it cannot be a ‘be-all and end-all’.
Defence cooperation and technology ties received special emphasis, with both sides charting a course to further energise these areas. The U.S. plans for increased defence sales to India will obviously help the trade deficit India has with the U.S. Given the current climate in Washington, defence ties are definitely poised for an upward trajectory, and other deals will be made. There’s talk of the potential sale of U.S. F-35 jets to India, although that idea is still to take concrete shape. The key question, of course, is whether the jets dovetail into our strategic requirements as far as the Indian Air Force is concerned.
India and the U.S. launched an ambitious initiative to double bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030, and India agreed to reduce tariffs on specific American products. Additionally, we’ve signalled a commitment to increase imports of US oil and gas, which should, again, help address U.S. concerns around trade imbalance while also enhancing our energy security. On illegal immigration, I think there is strong intent from our side to curb this issue.
