The re-election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency holds significant implications for India, particularly in the areas of defence, regional security, and international relations. As a staunch advocate for a strong U.S.-India partnership, Trump’s second term could provide India with opportunities to deepen its strategic and defence ties with the United States, a relationship that has already grown under his first tenure. With a focus on countering China's rise and securing the Indo-Pacific region, Trump’s administration is likely to prioritise India as a key ally in the region, enhancing defence cooperation, joint military exercises, and potentially greater access to advanced defense technologies.

 

Trump's aggressive stance on China may also indirectly benefit India, offering an opportunity to counterbalance Beijing's growing influence in Asia. The U.S. view of China as a strategic competitor could lead to more robust diplomatic and military support for India, especially in its ongoing territorial disputes with China in regions like Ladakh and the broader South Asian context. For India, Trump's foreign policy stance could serve as leverage in dealing with China's assertiveness, particularly in the South China Sea and along their shared border. On the other hand, India will need to tread carefully in certain areas, particularly when it comes to trade and climate change. Trump’s "America First" approach is likely to maintain skepticism toward multilateral trade agreements and could put pressure on India to resolve trade imbalances. Climate change policy under his leadership has often been contentious, with the  U.S. withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, a position that could clash with India’s aspirations for sustainable development. Navigating these issues diplomatically will require India to adopt a balancing act, advocating for its own national interests while ensuring that its relationship with the U.S. remains strong and productive.

 

Perhaps most delicately, India will need to avoid any overreach in its counterterrorism efforts, particularly regarding Sikh extremists based in the U.S. Any actions perceived as intrusive or a violation of American sovereignty could sour relations between the two countries. A more measured approach to such sensitive matters, in line with U.S. legal frameworks and priorities,  will help India preserve its growing partnership with Washington.