Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first lot of foreign leaders to congratulate Donald Trump on his election victory.
On X he posted “Heartiest congratulations my friend @realdDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the success of your previous terms, I look forward for renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the Indo-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.
Together let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global, peace security and prosperity.”
A Trump response is expected soon, but his recent comments on Hindus in Bangladesh would have come as music to Indian ears.
“I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh which remains in a state of total chaos.”
It’s the first time any American leader has addressed this issue.
There’s more. PS Raghavan, chairman of the National Security Board, has analysed the Project 2025 report authored by the right-wing pro-Trump Heritage Foundation and other thinktanks. It covered the gamut of domestic US and foreign policy issues and among the latter, was the perception and likely policy roadmap regarding Pakistan.
“There can be no expectation of normal relations with either (Pakistan, Afghanistan). The persistent threat of terrorism and extremism in South Asia can only be addressed if the US prioritizes long term fundamental change in Pakistan over immediate counterterrorism goals, which have perpetuated the Pakistani military establishment’s links with extremist groups,” it said.
Trump is also expected to double down on China. The Project 2025 Report, Raghavan notes, says Beijing is engaged in a strategic, cultural and economic cold war against American values, and that China “stole our technology, spied on our people and threatened our allies, all with trillions of dollars of wealth and military power financed by their access to our market.”
There will be other issues including immigration, India can be expected to be targeted for its tariffs, pressured to buy more American products and so on. But all that for later, Trump’s immediate priorities are domestic as he underscored to crowds of cheering supporters shortly after claiming victory early on Thursday morning.
“The American people have regained control of their country,” he said, “Promises made, promises kept we are going to keep our promises. It’s time to put the divisions of the past 4 years behind us, its time. America’s future will be better bolder richer, I will not let you down.”
“God spared my life for a reason and that reason was to save my country and take America to greatness and we are going to fulfill that mission. This is the most important job in the world.”
He promised “hard working Americans” that he was determined to “turn the country around”, he would cut taxes and pare down the $35 trillion national debt.
Describing the Republican Party as the “party of common sense”, he vowed “I am going to stop wars,” hinting that he may at some point turn off aid to Ukraine.
There are also reports he would continue military aid to Kyiv while leaving economic and humanitarian assistance to Europe. For now the world can only wait and watch as America readies to welcome its new president and his administration.
