While the friendly relationship that India and the US enjoyed during Trump’s first term is likely to continue, China will be a consideration for both countries in the next four years. Academic Rishi Gupta examines the issue.
Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency signals a major American “reset” with deep implications for global politics, the economy and international order. Analysts globally foresee significant shifts in US foreign policy, as Trump’s transactional diplomacy could undermine multilateralism. US contributions across various sectors, including aid to Israel and Ukraine, will face intense scrutiny, while unpredictability is expected to remain a hallmark of Trump’s foreign policy approach.
The fraying US-China relationship
The inward-looking “America First” policy under Trump also means that the trade and tariffs war with China will continue. Xi’s congratulations message indicated a willingness to “strengthen communication, expand cooperation, and resolve differences with the US based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win to promote the development of China-US economic and trade relations toward a stable, healthy, and sustainable direction, benefiting both countries and the world at large”.
However, the nomination of Marco Rubio as secretary of state, known for his strong stance on China, signals a potential hardline approach to the Trump administration’s foreign policy. This move likely reflects an alignment of economic protectionism with strategic competition.
