President Trump will arrive in India on Monday for a two-day visit. The world’s most populous democracy (with more than 1.3 billion citizens), India is an increasingly important American partner.
But what specifics can we expect from Trump’s visit?
Well first, lots of crowds. Aware of Trump’s enjoyment at being feted, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured that the president will see lots of smiling crowds. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has sent the word out for its supporters to line the 22-kilometer route Trump will travel on Monday on his way to a rally with Modi. That rally will be held in the economic hub of Ahmedabad. Modi’s hope here is to show off India as a place open for American investment.
Trade will certainly be near the top of the two leaders’ agenda, with Trump keen to build on recent Indian reforms that make it easier to buy U.S. goods. On the flip side, India wants greater U.S. visa access and investment. But the mutual opportunity here is India’s economic potential as a major destination for U.S. exports. India’s sustained GDP growth has seen its economy surpass in size those of Brazil, Britain, France, and Italy from 2010-2019. The Trump administration’s hope is that Indian developments in contract law and ease of doing business will make India a top trading partner for the 21st century. There is a lot of growth potential here, with only $34.4 billion in U.S. exports to India in 2019 and $33.5 billion in 2018. America should aim for that trade to increase tenfold over the next 10 years.
Beyond trade, China will certainly top the bill of this trip’s to-do agenda.
America’s preeminent global adversary, China has upset India by undermining its borders and providing political cover for Pakistani terrorist attacks on Indian soil. And as China and Russia strengthen their authoritarian partnership, the United States hopes to persuade India to forge a new democratic partnership for global security. Cooperation between the U.S. and Indian navies serves as an example to build on here.
Still, while the White House and Panchavati, India’s equivalent executive residence, have understandably high expectations for this trip, it won’t be relaxing for the Secret Service. For one, Indian law prevents Trump’s motorcade from traveling into the Taj Mahal compound. That has upset the Secret Service, which is reluctant to allow the president to travel in the environmentally friendly bus being offered as an alternative.
Adding to the Taj Mahal complexities, Indian authorities are concerned that monkeys might interfere with the president’s walkabout.
Nevertheless, anticipation is high — with Indian media outlets giving the visit top billing with dozens of reports. This has even included some fake news that dogs were slaughtered in preparation for Trump’s arrival.
The hope now is that Trump and Modi can build on their personal relationship and forge new consensus on issues of shared concern. If they can, a new superpower relationship can be born. And that would be good news for anyone who cares about freedom.
