Janice R. Andrews
S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, offered insights into the unique relationship between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing how their nationalist ideologies helped forge a strong connection.
During a New Delhi event, Jaishankar reflected on Modi’s productive White House visit and discussions with Trump. He explained that their mutual understanding stems from their respective nationalist perspectives, with each leader focused on advancing their country’s interests.
“They understand each other because they’re both nationalists – Modi prioritizing India’s interests while Trump focuses on America’s,” Jaishankar explained, according to ANI. He added that Modi has established a particularly effective rapport with Trump, which sets their relationship apart from other international leaders.
- Diplomatic Success at the White House
The recent Modi-Trump summit demonstrated their cordial relationship through warm personal interactions and mutual appreciation. Their discussions encompassed crucial areas including trade relations, anti-terrorism efforts, and military collaboration.
Trump particularly commended Modi’s negotiation abilities, humbly stating, “He’s far superior to me in negotiations – it’s not even close,” while sharing a smile.
Their meeting reinforced the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States, highlighting their countries’ shared values, interests, and strong people-to-people connections.
The alignment of their nationalist philosophies appears to be a significant factor in shaping the trajectory of India-U.S. diplomatic relations.
