A little over 18 months into the second Trump administration, the imposition of tariffs on India and the administration’s renewed engagement with Pakistan have been interpreted by many analysts as signs of a more turbulent bilateral relationship.
However, judged by the administration’s “America First” objectives — which emphasize greater reciprocity, expanded market access, increased purchases of American goods, and closer alignment on economic security — President Donald Trump’s pressure-based approach has produced results. It has prompted Indian concessions and policy adjustments across trade, energy, defense, nuclear cooperation, and sanctions enforcement. Thus, viewed from the administration’s perspective, Trump’s India policy is working.
