Does Donald Trump present an opportunity or a challenge for India? That depends on how seriously you take what heâs said. Until he acts weâve nothing else to go by.
First, the impact of his broad handling of international relations. Trump has spoken warmly of President Putin, talked of lifting sanctions and wants engagement with Moscow. His secretary of state is a close friend of the Russian President. In contrast, Trump has threatened a tougher line against China. The one-China policy is open for reconsideration and the country could be penalised for currency manipulation.
Friendly relations between the United States and Russia suit India because we can then pursue closer relations with both without contradiction. Also, a US-Russia détente would diminish Russiaâs dependence on Beijing. And any policy that confronts Chinaâs expansion canât disadvantage India.
More important is Trumpâs direct impact. During the campaign he famously said âI am a big fan of Hindu. I am a big fan of India.â Did he mean it or was it just campaign rhetoric?
In terms of Indo-Pakistan relations, Nawaz Sharif claims Trumpâs expressed a willingness to sort out Indo-Pak differences. Vice President Mike Pence is also reported to have concurred in an NBC interview. However, most people think thatâs unlikely.
During the campaign Trump called Pakistan âthe most dangerous country in the world todayâ and said âthe only country that can check Pakistan is Indiaâ. Though he hasnât repeated this after the election his key appointments think similarly. At his confirmation, Defence Secretary Gen. Mattis spoke of âPakistanâs need to expel or neutralise externally-focused militant groups that operate within its border.â The National Security Advisor, Gen. Flynn, in his book, the Field of Fight, writes: âCountries like Pakistan need to be told we will not tolerate terrorist training camps and safe havens ⦠they are going to have to choose and if they continue to help the jihadis we are going to treat them harshly.â That suggests a tougher stand which can only be good news for India.
On other issues, like membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group or a permanent seat on the Security Council, we donât have clarity. Itâs unlikely Trump will reverse Obamaâs commitments but he may not accord them the same priority.
Now to the economic impact. The key concern is what happens to H1B visas. Both the US president and his attorney general talk of reducing H1B visas. This would be bad news for Indiaâs information technology industry, 60% of whose $108 billion exports go to the US. Companies like Infosys, Wipro and TCS could suffer.
However, that could also impact the American enterprises which rely on them. As the latterâs costs rise theyâll be passed on to their American customers. The question is could this make Trump change his position? No one really knows.
Finally, what about Trumpâs attitude to American companies that establish factories abroad? Ford has three in India and intends to export most of its cars. Now, undoubtedly, exports to the US will be affected but will that make such companies rethink their India strategy? I guess that depends on how badly theyâre affected.
If all this suggests we have more questions than answers thatâs undeniable. But a Trump-like change creates worrying doubts alongside great expectations and you have to keep your fingers crossed till you discover what will actually happen
