Modi Trying to Return ‘Bromance’ with Trump

 

Modi Trying to Return ‘Bromance’ with Trump

New Delhi/Washington, D.C. – As the U.S. presidential election heats up, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be rekindling his close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a potential return to the high-profile camaraderie the two leaders shared during Trump's presidency.

The bond between Modi and Trump was on full display during events like the “Howdy, Modi!” rally in Houston in 2019 and the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad in 2020. With Trump now the Republican frontrunner for the 2024 election, there are growing indications that Modi is keen on reviving their rapport, which was marked by public endorsements and grand gestures.

Subtle Signals from New Delhi

While India officially maintains a neutral stance on U.S. elections, diplomatic observers note that Modi’s government has been sending subtle signals suggesting a preference for Trump. This includes warm references to past India-U.S. relations during Trump’s tenure, as well as continued engagement with Trump-aligned Republicans.

Reports also suggest that some BJP leaders and right-wing influencers have been actively supporting Trump on social media, emphasizing his past rhetoric on strong U.S.-India ties and shared concerns over China.

 

Trump’s India Card

Trump, known for his transactional foreign policy, has often praised Modi as a “great friend” and a “strong leader.” If re-elected, he could push for deeper India-U.S. ties, particularly on trade and defense, while taking a tougher stance on Pakistan and China—stances that align with Modi’s strategic interests.

At a recent campaign event, Trump hinted at his good relations with Modi, recalling their massive joint rallies and cooperation during his presidency. His outreach to the Indian-American community, a crucial voter bloc in key battleground states, also underscores his attempt to leverage the Modi connection.

Biden Factor & Indian Diplomacy

Despite this, Modi’s government has maintained a strong working relationship with the Biden administration, particularly in areas like defense cooperation and the Quad alliance. However, Biden’s recent emphasis on human rights and democratic values in India has created some diplomatic friction.

With the possibility of Trump returning to power, Modi’s approach appears to be one of hedging bets—keeping ties strong with the current administration while preparing for a potential second Trump presidency.

As the 2024 U.S. elections unfold, it remains to be seen whether the Modi-Trump ‘bromance’ will make a full-fledged return or remain a relic of a past political era.