The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington, D.C., marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-India relations, signaling a trajectory toward deeper geopolitical alignment and enhanced economic collaboration. While India maintains its policy of strategic autonomy, often termed “multi-alignment,” the convergence of interests between the world’s oldest and largest democracies is becoming increasingly pronounced. This evolving relationship reflects both the structural changes in the international order and the political calculations of a second Trump presidency.
India and America: A Sort of Alliance?
The global order is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting from unipolarity – or U.S. hegemony – toward a multipolar system where regional powers such as India play increasingly independent roles. In this evolving landscape, New Delhi’s strategic importance to Washington has grown exponentially. The Biden administration sought to deepen ties with India as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy, and under President Donald Trump’s second term, this trend appears poised to accelerate. Trump’s “sovereigntist” vision of foreign policy, as outlined in his recent New York Times article, prioritizes transactional partnerships that enhance U.S. strategic flexibility rather than rigid alliances based on ideological commitments. India’s pragmatic approach to international relations aligns well with this philosophy.
Trump’s “sovereigntist” outlook, which emphasizes national sovereignty and strategic self-sufficiency, suggests a reordering of traditional alliances in favor of adaptable partnerships. This aligns well with India’s own approach to global diplomacy. While Trump has often been skeptical of NATO and multilateral institutions, he has simultaneously pursued strong bilateral relationships with key partners like India. In this framework, New Delhi is not just a regional power but a crucial component of America’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly as Washington seeks to counterbalance China’s growing influence.
Both nations share growing concerns over China’s assertiveness. Beijing’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific, including increased naval operations in the Indian Ocean and along the disputed Himalayan border with India, have strengthened the case for deeper U.S.-India security cooperation. This partnership is exemplified by the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, which aims to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. Regular summits and joint military exercises underscore the commitment to this shared vision.
During the recent summit, Trump and Modi outlined plans for significant defense collaboration, including India’s potential acquisition of advanced U.S. defense systems such as F-35 stealth fighter jets. If realized, this move would significantly enhance India’s conventional deterrence capabilities and symbolize a shift toward greater U.S.-India military cooperation. However, India’s longstanding reliance on Russian arms, dating back to the Cold War, will not be easily overcome. New Delhi will continue to balance its defense partnerships, reflecting its commitment to strategic autonomy rather than exclusive alignment with Washington.
Economic Synergy and Trade Relations
Beyond security cooperation, economic ties between the U.S. and India are witnessing a transformative phase. Bilateral trade relations have often been strained by disputes over tariffs and market access, but recent discussions suggest a commitment to resolving these frictions. Modi and Trump announced negotiations for a comprehensive trade deal that could serve as the foundation for a more robust economic partnership.
India has pledged to increase its purchase of U.S. goods, including oil, gas, and military equipment, with the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Trump, who has long criticized India’s high tariffs on American products, Harley-Davidson motorcycles for example, secured Modi’s commitment to reducing these trade barriers – a symbolic but important gesture of goodwill.
Additionally, India’s rise as a global technology hub has made it an attractive partner for American businesses. The U.S. seeks to counterbalance China’s dominance in critical sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and artificial intelligence. India’s growing tech industry, bolstered by initiatives like “Make in India” and “Digital India,” presents a viable alternative. The recent agreement to facilitate greater technology transfers between the two nations highlights the increasing interdependence of their economies.
Trump’s “Sovereigntist” Vision and the U.S.-India Partnership
Trump’s foreign policy has been defined by a “sovereigntist” approach that prioritizes national interests over multilateral commitments. His administration’s decision to reduce America’s reliance on traditional alliances like NATO, coupled with his skepticism of institutions such as the United Nations, signals a shift toward flexible, interest-driven partnerships. This outlook makes India an ideal strategic partner.
Unlike the Cold War-era alliance system, where smaller states aligned firmly with either the U.S. or the Soviet Union, the contemporary world order is characterized by “multi-alignment.” India exemplifies this strategy by maintaining close relations with Russia, engaging with China in BRICS, and expanding its partnerships with the U.S. and Europe. This approach allows India to maximize its strategic options while avoiding entanglements in great-power conflicts.
From Washington’s perspective, India’s geopolitical weight makes it an indispensable counterbalance to China. While Modi’s government has resisted outright military alliances, it has demonstrated a willingness to engage in deeper security cooperation when it serves India’s interests. This pragmatism aligns with Trump’s transactional foreign policy ethos, which values results over ideological consistency.
The Indian Diaspora: A Political and Economic Force
A key factor influencing U.S.-India relations is the growing influence of the Indian-American diaspora. As of 2023, approximately 5.2 million people of Indian origin reside in the United States, with about 3.9 million being 18 years or older. This community is among the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the country, with the number of Americans identifying solely as Asian Indian increasing by over 50% to nearly 4.4 million between 2010 and 2023.
Indian-Americans are distinguished by their high educational attainment and economic success. In 2019, 75% of Indian adults aged 25 and older held a bachelor’s degree or higher, the highest level among all Asian-American groups. This emphasis on education has translated into substantial economic achievements. In 2022, the median household income for Indian-American families was $145,000, significantly surpassing the median of $100,000 for Asian-American households overall.
The community’s economic influence is notable, with Indian-Americans playing pivotal roles in sectors such as technology, medicine, and finance. As of 2024, individuals of Indian descent lead 25 of the 500 largest American companies, including major corporations like Microsoft and Google. This representation underscores the community’s substantial contributions to the U.S. economy and its integral role in fostering closer U.S.-India relations
Politically, Indian-Americans have traditionally leaned Democratic, but recent trends suggest increasing engagement with the Republican Party, particularly among wealthier and business-oriented segments of the community. Large-scale public events attended by prominent Republican leaders during Modi’s U.S. visits reflect a bipartisan interest in courting the Indian diaspora.
Trump’s outreach to Indian-Americans aligns with his broader effort to diversify the GOP’s voter base. By fostering closer ties with India, the Republican Party seeks to appeal to a constituency that values strong U.S.-India relations. The increasing involvement of Indian-American donors in Republican campaigns further incentivizes the Trump administration to deepen economic and strategic cooperation with New Delhi.
Conclusion
The future of U.S.-India relations appears promising, characterized by closer geopolitical alignment and mutually beneficial economic engagements. As both nations navigate the complexities of a multipolar world, their partnership stands as a testament to shared democratic values and common strategic interests. While challenges remain, the commitment to collaboration and dialogue bodes well for the continued strengthening of this vital bilateral relationship.
India’s nuclear weapons program is one of the world’s most advanced.
Trump’s “sovereigntist” strategy provides a unique opportunity for India to engage with the U.S. on its own terms, leveraging its geopolitical importance without compromising its multi-alignment policy. As Prime Minister Modi concluded his “extremely fruitful” U.S. visit, the tangible outcomes and reaffirmed commitments signal a new chapter in U.S.-India relations – one poised to shape the geopolitical and economic landscape of the 21st century.
About the Author: Dr. Andrew Latham
Andrew Latham is a non-resident fellow at Defense Priorities and a professor of international relations and political theory at Macalester College in Saint Paul, MN. Andrew is now a Contributing Editor to 19FortyFive, writing a daily column. You can follow him on X: @aakatham.
