Madhav Ram: Trump’s tariffs are straining relations between the US and India
Madhav Ram: Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav stated that New Delhi is still steadfastly committed to the partnership, “India and the United States are going through a difficult but possibly temporary phase in their bilateral relationship, with trade negotiations, tariff disputes, and geopolitical differences creating friction.”
Madhav, a former national general secretary of the BJP and head of the India Foundation, told an Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP) event here that although expectations in India were high after head Donald Trump’s return to office, events since then have been “unexpected.”
“This was not anticipated. He said that Trump has a sizable following in India. “As our party also stated, there was a lot of enthusiasm in our camp when Trump 2.0 happened,” he remarked.
The encounter with Trump, according to Madhav, was not exclusive to India. That is what many nations across the globe have experienced with Trump. “President Trump has a distinct style and approach to dealing with nations and issues,” he said.
Regarding tariffs, Madhav said that discussions between the two parties have been going on for months and that India has shown a willingness to bargain. He said that discussions were “very close to a deal” and that “our commerce ministry and department of commerce here have been holding talks for almost eight, nine months.”
But he warned that adding geopolitical concerns to trade talks made them more difficult. In reference to efforts to connect trade with tensions between India and Pakistan, he said, “What complicates the matter is when trade issues are mixed up with geopolitics.”
Madhav said that India strongly disapproved of these connections. We have a clear strategy that this India-Pakistan problem would only be a bilateral one. “Any third country has absolutely no role in this,” he said.
He said that India has made Washington aware of its stance. He said that trade talks are now being conducted independently, saying, “We politely told that one should not mix up geopolitics with trade.”
Madhav also seemed to make fun of ideas that policy choices may be made informally. India is excessively serious about the situation. He emphasized that trade agreements need thorough discussions and said that policies cannot be obtained via phone.
Madhav said that India has no intention of destroying the alliance, notwithstanding the present challenges. He said, “For us, this relationship is far more important than individuals.”
He acknowledged that Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the previous prime minister, laid the groundwork for contemporary India-US relations. Madhav said, “He said India and the US are natural allies,” referring to the relationship as one that has been developed over many years.
He also emphasized the Indian diaspora’s contribution. He said, “Indian Americans have been a very important element in this relationship.”
According to Madhav, the present stage should be seen as transitory. “There are a few hiccups which are essentially personality-oriented, not at all policy-oriented,” he said, adding that India is still dedicated to picking up the pace.