PM Modi and Donald Trump (File photo) Despite the likely mercurial nature of his second term in office, Donald Trump’s return to the White House is not just an acceptable but a desired outcome of the US presidential elections for India, given the previous Trump presidency’s perceived convergence of interests with India on strategic issues and his rapport with PM Narendra Modi. Unsurprisingly, Modi was among the first heads of government to congratulate "friend" Trump for his historic win, shortly after the latter’s victory speech in Florida. “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.
Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,’’ said Modi in a post on X, which was embellished with photos from his engagements with the president-elect in the past including during his India visit in 2020. According to former foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who also served as India’s ambassador to the US during the previous Trump administration, his dramatic comeback is good news for India. “The Modi government has worked closely with him in the past and he also has a good relationship with the PM,’’ says Shringla, adding Trump’s focus on ending the wars in Ukraine and Gaza also suits India.
Trump’s previous term in office saw strong strategic convergence with .