When Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States in 2016, he made it abundantly clear that his agenda would prioritize “America First.” This nationalist and protectionist mantra defined his presidency, focusing on advancing U.S. economic, security, and geopolitical interests above all else. Yet, some Indian nationalists seem to have deluded themselves into believing that Trump’s foreign policy extended to favoring India’s specific concerns, such as the Bangladesh and Khalistan issues.
Trump’s America First Policy
From the outset, Trump’s America First policy centered on reshoring jobs, renegotiating trade deals, limiting immigration, and reducing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts unless directly beneficial to American interests. His administration’s dealings with India were no exception. While bilateral ties were characterized by shared interests—such as containing China’s growing influence—Trump’s approach was transactional.
Whether it was trade tariffs on Indian goods, restrictive visa policies like the H-1B clampdown, or demands for India to purchase American arms, Trump viewed the relationship with India through the lens of what the U.S. could gain.
India-Specific Concerns Were Secondary
Despite warm optics, Trump’s administration showed little interest in India’s regional concerns, such as:
- Bangladesh Issue: The U.S. under Trump paid minimal attention to India’s complex relationship with Bangladesh, including matters like cross-border migration or the Rohingya refugee crisis. His administration remained largely indifferent unless there was a direct impact on U.S. strategic interests.
- Khalistan Issue: While some Indian nationalists might have hoped for U.S. support against Khalistani separatist movements, the Trump administration maintained a neutral stance. It refrained from taking sides on such internal matters, focusing instead on broader geopolitical strategies.
The Reality Check for Indian Nationalists
Indian nationalists need to understand that Trump’s policies were driven by American self-interest, not allegiance to any foreign nation. Any cooperation with India during his tenure—whether on defense, counterterrorism, or trade—was mutually beneficial but never altruistic.
Expecting Trump to care deeply about India’s domestic or regional issues, such as those involving Bangladesh or Khalistani separatism, reflects a misunderstanding of the core tenets of his administration. These matters hold little relevance to an “America First” agenda that prioritizes domestic gains and strategic global leverage.
Moving Beyond Illusions
The Trump era should serve as a lesson for Indian policymakers and nationalists to view international relations realistically. No foreign leader or government will prioritize India’s concerns unless they align with their own national interests. India’s approach to global diplomacy must rest on building mutually beneficial partnerships while recognizing the transactional nature of such relationships.
Donald Trump’s presidency was a stark reminder of the unapologetically self-serving nature of global politics. For Indian nationalists who believed that he cared about issues like Bangladesh or Khalistan, it is time to shed these illusions. Trump’s America First policy was never about India—or any other country. As India continues to navigate its path on the world stage, it must do so with a clear-eyed understanding that every nation, including the United States, acts in its own best interest.