Skip to main content

Translate

Donald Trump Is Not Against India: Reframing Perceptions Beyond Emotion

 The Emotional Lens That Clouds Geopolitics

Donald Trump & India: The Truth Behind Indo-US Relations | Pradeep Mahaur Magazine

In India, emotionalism often overrides realism. When it comes to geopolitics, this becomes especially true, our perception of world leaders, especially U.S. presidents, is frequently shaped not by ground strategy but by hope, hurt, and headlines. Many Indians believe Donald Trump is "anti-India." But is this belief rooted in fact or just frustration? The truth is far more nuanced and far more important to understand.

Let’s decode the perception, peel back the layers of strategic misreading, and explore why Donald Trump is not against India, even if his policies might sometimes appear uncomfortable.

Donald Trump Is Not Against India: Reframing Perceptions Beyond Emotion


The “America First” Doctrine: Not “India Last”

Donald Trump is, first and foremost, the President of the United States, not a global guardian. His foreign policies are crafted to benefit American interests, not necessarily to appease allies. His unpredictability is not a flaw—it’s a strategic weapon, often designed to extract leverage in negotiations.

Expecting Trump to favor India at the cost of American jobs, trade, or influence is a misplaced expectation. That does not make him anti-India. It makes him a shrewd president serving his own nation, just as any Indian leader is expected to do for India.

Why People Think Trump Is Against India: A Closer Look

Policy / Incident

Impact on India

Public Perception

H-1B Visa Ban

Hit Indian tech workers

Anti-immigration, anti-India diaspora

GSP Withdrawal

Hurt Indian exporters

Start of trade war

Kashmir Mediation Offer

Diplomatic awkwardness

Interference in sovereignty

Meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief

Seen as betrayal

Favoring Pakistan

Bangladesh Policy

Ignored Chinese interference

Abandoning India's neighborhood interests

Weak Support During Galwan

No military backing

Not a reliable partner against China

Let’s now break down these events with facts, strategy, and perspective.

1. H-1B Visa Ban: Domestic Policy, Not India-Targeted

Trump’s immigration tightening under "America First" was aimed at protecting U.S. jobs post-recession and during COVID not attacking India. While it affected Indian IT professionals, Indian nationals still dominate H-1B visa approvals.

➡ Fact Check:
In FY 2023, around 191,000 Indian professionals were granted H-1B visas. In FY 2024, the number rose to 207,000+.

Indians continue to be the largest beneficiaries. Rather than lament U.S. policies, we should strengthen India's domestic work culture, pay scale, and infrastructure to retain our talent at home.

2. GSP Withdrawal: A Balanced Trade Move

India enjoyed duty-free exports under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). But with India’s exports already enjoying a cost advantage due to currency differentials, Trump argued it unfairly undercut American manufacturers.

➡ Perspective:
India, too, imposes tariffs to protect its industries. This is not hostility, but reciprocity in trade negotiations.

Rather than expecting perpetual preference, India should scale quality and production to compete on global standards, something the Modi government is actively pursuing through PLI schemes and Make-in-India initiatives.

3. Kashmir Mediation Offer: Misread Diplomacy

Trump’s offer to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir was more of a symbolic gesture than an actionable threat. Mediation offers are diplomatic tools, not declarations of alignment.

➡ Truth Behind the Hype:
India rejected the offer, and Trump respected that. More importantly, during the Indo-Pak conflict, Trump’s administration did not supply arms to Pakistan, whereas China and Turkey were openly backing Islamabad.

Compare that with the historical U.S. behavior during the Cold War—arming Pakistan, deploying USS Enterprise during the 1971 war, and sanctioning India post-1998 nuclear tests. Trump’s era, relatively, marked a policy reset.

4. Meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief: A Strategic Counterweight to China

Trump’s controversial meeting with Gen. Bajwa (now Gen. Asim Munir) raised eyebrows in India. But consider the larger picture: if the U.S. can pull Pakistan away from China, it reduces Beijing’s influence in the Indian Ocean region.

➡ Geostrategic Chess:
If Pakistan becomes less of a Chinese pawn, it benefits Indian security, especially against CPEC projects that threaten Indian territorial integrity in POK.

Such backchannel diplomacy, while uncomfortable, may serve India’s long-term interests more than open confrontation.

5. Bangladesh Tilt: A Missed Indian Opportunity

Much before Trump, India failed to assert itself in Bangladesh’s shifting political landscape. When Sheikh Hasina’s government weakened and pro-China influences grew, India chose caution over action.

➡ Trump’s Response:
By imposing a 35% flat tariff on Bangladeshi goods (from Aug 2025), the U.S. created economic friction with Dhaka, giving India an opening to reassert regional influence.

The onus is now on India to capitalize on this moment, militarily, economically, and culturally, because expecting Trump to fight our regional battles is unrealistic.

6. Weak Support During Galwan: Misunderstood Silence

Yes, Trump didn’t send troops during the Galwan clash. But did we expect direct U.S. intervention in a non-shooting standoff?

➡ Behind the Scenes:
The U.S. provided satellite intelligence, expedited defense agreements like BECA and COMCASA, and vocally criticized China’s aggression. That's strategic support, not silence.

Donald Trump Is Not Against India: Reframing Perceptions Beyond Emotion


Time to Recalibrate Our Expectations

Donald Trump is not anti-India. He is pro-America. And India must be pro-India, not emotionally reactive, but strategically alert.

Our expectations from foreign leaders must align with geopolitical realism, not cinematic diplomacy. Instead of demanding affection, we should negotiate respect. And that respect, in many ways, Trump gave us, even if not always with the fanfare we wanted.

Final Thought:

India’s future lies not in who rules Washington but in how Delhi positions itself, as a confident civilizational state, capable of shaping its region, managing alliances, and leading the Global South. The Trump era is not a betrayal, it is a mirror. It's time we looked into it with clarity.


By Pradeep Mahaur – Pradeep Mahaur Magazine | Hindu Wisdom and Global Affairs


References:

1.    USCISFY 2024 H-1B Visa Statistics

2.    Officeof the U.S. Trade Representative – GSP Program

3.    India’sReaction to Trump’s Kashmir Mediation Offer – The Hindu

4.    GalwanClash Coverage – India Today

5.    Donald Trump's Letter to Bangladesh on Tariffs – Economic Times

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

If you have any queries please let me know

Popular posts from this blog

Can You Become Enlightened?

If you are reading this, it signifies a deep yearning for spiritual awakening. However, before setting out on this profound journey, it is essential to grasp the true meaning of enlightenment. While the terms "enlightenment" or "awakening" are often used in English, their essence transcends linguistic limitations. Enlightenment is not merely an intellectual realization; it is a transformative experience—a state of being where one gains access to higher wisdom. It is a shift in awareness that surpasses ordinary perception, leading to a profound comprehension of existence, the self, and the ultimate truth of the cosmos. This brings us to an essential question: what exactly is divine wisdom? Simply put, it is a direct connection to the universal consciousness, an infinite reservoir where all knowledge—past, present, and future—coexists. We often turn to books, teachers, and external sources in pursuit of wisdom, assuming it must be acquired from outside. However, in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Revealed: The Secret Trick to Deep Meditation

  When I mention a "shortcut to meditation," many people immediately think there are no shortcuts in life and believe that meditation is an art cultivated over many years of dedicated practice. While I respect and understand this perspective, it's important to recognize that there are efficient and effective methods to practice meditation that have been known and utilized by many for a long time. These methods may not be widely recognized but have proven to be beneficial for those who practice them. The first time I encountered this method of meditation, I decided to give it a try. By that point, I had experimented with and practiced numerous other meditation techniques, but they were all very slow and required a great deal of patience. This particular method, however, worked exceptionally well for me. I had always been told that every individual is unique and that what works for one person might not work for another. As a result, I believed this method was uniquely suite...
1 comment
Read more

Buddhism vs Hinduism: A Comparative Study of Differences, Similarities & Shared Vedic Teachings

Buddhism vs Hinduism: In-Depth Comparative Study of Atman, Anatta, Karma, Moksha & Nirvana Hinduism is often described as Sanātana Dharma —the “eternal way of life.” Buddhism arose from the same cultural soil but charted its own disciplined path to awakening.  Studying Buddhism vs Hinduism is therefore less a clash between rivals and more a dialogue between two complementary quests for freedom. By seeing where they diverge and where they overlap, modern seekers can extract practical wisdom from both traditions without losing intellectual honesty or spiritual depth. Buddha Rejected Vedic Rituals Some readers assume the Buddha opposed the Vedas outright. A better analogy is a medical student learning to use an MRI: she needs to understand the machine well enough to diagnose, not to redesign microchips. Likewise, the Buddha focused on one proven method, mindful investigation of suffering, rather than the entire spectrum of Vedic techniques. When students asked a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Cure Mental Health Issues without Medicine and without Meditation (Bipolar Disorder)

Manic depression, anxiety, and other Mental health disorders are common among the human population. The most severe is bipolar disorder, which presents a labyrinth of emotional turmoil, characterized by extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows. Within this rollercoaster of emotions lies the intricate landscape of mental health. It's not merely a disorder but a facet of human experience, impacting individuals worldwide. As we delve into the depths of depression, one encounters profound sadness, hopelessness, and a disinterest in activities once enjoyed. The journey through this abyss often leads to a search for treatment, detailed in  a comprehensive article , shedding light on global statistics and the struggles faced by individuals grappling with bipolar disorder. Many resort to chemical interventions, while some find themselves in need of evaluation through ACD when communication becomes an arduous task. PTSD, stemming from childhood trauma or other harrowing exper...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ceasefire Illusion: Why Islamic Nations Abandoned Iran and the Reality of Iran’s Defence Collapse

Why Islamic Nations Didn't Support Iran in the Israel War: Sectarian Faultlines & Geopolitics What forced Iran to halt its war suddenly - was it victory, or a hidden collapse no one saw coming? The truth will surprise you. On a historic yet chaotic night, the world held its breath as Iran’s state-run broadcaster, IRINN , triumphantly declared that a ceasefire had been “ imposed on Israel ” following a supposed successful Iranian strike on a U.S. base in Qatar . As reported by the BBC , the narrative from Tehran implied victory. However, beneath this bravado was a sobering truth: Iran was collapsing from within , militarily exhausted and diplomatically isolated, especially by the very nations it counted as ideological allies, the Islamic world. This war, which many have already termed a short-lived yet symbolically intense conflict between Iran and the Israel-U.S. alliance , has revealed not just the fault lines in Middle Eastern geopolitics but also the st...
Post a Comment
Read more

Transformative Power of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama

  Nadi Shodhan Pranayama, often regarded as a cornerstone of yogic practices, holds profound significance in the realm of holistic well-being. The word Nadi refers to the intricate network of energy channels that course through the human body, carrying the life force ( prāṇa ) that sustains us. Shodhan means purification; thus, this practice represents a powerful fusion of breath regulation and energy cleansing. Watch this video to understand the process- When we consciously engage in this profound breathing technique, we guide the flow of life energy through the nadis, systematically clearing blockages and purifying the subtle channels. This not only enhances respiratory efficiency but also stabilizes the subtle energies within us, fostering inner balance, mental clarity, and emotional harmony. In essence, Nadi Shodhan is more than a breathing technique—it's a gateway to physical health, mental calm, and spiritual awakening. The Nadis: Channels of Conscious Energy ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why I Choose Rebirth Over Moksha (Liberation): A Spiritual Perspective

  The Liberation (Moksha) Everyone Wants - But I Don’t When we talk about Hindu philosophy, one word rises like the Himalayas above all spiritual conversations, that is Moksha . Ask any seeker, monk, yogi, or even a casual temple-goer: “What’s the ultimate goal of life?” and more often than not, you’ll hear the answer: Moksha, or liberation . But here’s where I differ. Despite being deeply spiritual and having experienced states that many yogis strive for their entire lives, I stand here and say, I don’t want Moksha. Not because I doubt it. Not because I don’t understand it. But because I do. And what I understand fills me with awe, not desire. Let’s take this journey together, to explore what Moksha truly is , why billions chase it, and why someone who has tasted both asceticism and royalty chooses to remain in this beautiful illusion called life. Kumbh Mela: The Unspoken Craving for Liberation Let me take you back to a spectacle you may have seen or heard...
Post a Comment
Read more

Can Hinduism be Defined?

Hinduism Way of Life or Religion I strongly disagree with the statement that "Hinduism is not a Religion; it is a way of life." This is because every religion fundamentally teaches a way of life. For example, Islam provides detailed guidelines on practices such as handwashing, worship, and moral conduct. Similarly, Christianity emphasizes respecting women, helping others, and other aspects of ethical living. These religions encompass comprehensive systems that dictate various aspects of daily life. If we refer to the dictionary definition of Religion, it is described as a personal set or an institutionalized system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices. These attitudes, beliefs, and practices essentially constitute a way of life. When every religion is a way of life then how can Hinduism differ in this criteria. So way of life can not be a differentiator of Hinduism. Hinduism Not a Religion The assertion that Hinduism is not a R eligion is true in some respects because it ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Bipolar Disorder and its Treatment Without any Medicines

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings leading to emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). It is crucial to recognize that this phenomenon is not merely a disorder but a common facet of human instinct. During depressive episodes, individuals may experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a diminished interest in activities. Conversely, when transitioning to mania or hypomania (a milder form of mania), individuals may feel euphoric, exceptionally energetic, or unusually irritable. These mood fluctuations can impact various aspects such as sleep, energy levels, activity, judgment, behavior, and cognitive clarity. Importantly, it is not confined to those labeled as bipolar; rather, it can manifest in anyone at some point in their lives, varying in intensity. Numerous psychiatrists employ counseling or medication to address these disorders. However, individuals relying on medication oft...
Post a Comment
Read more

Facilitating Meditation and Mental Health with Herbs: A Holistic Approach

  In this article, we will delve into the fascinating realm of diverse herbs and explore their profound impact on fostering a sense of tranquility in the mind, thereby enriching and potentially transforming one's life. Herbs possess unique properties that, when harnessed, can contribute significantly to creating a peaceful state of mind. The exploration of these botanical wonders extends beyond mere relaxation, as certain herbs exhibit the extraordinary ability to enhance meditation practices, ultimately elevating the quality of life. By understanding the specific effects that various herbs can have on the brain, we aim to shed light on the potential benefits that incorporating these natural elements into your routine can bring, offering a holistic approach to mental well-being and overall life improvement. Herbs play a crucial role in enhancing our well-being by serving as a form of plant-based nutrition for our digestive system. Each herb is a powerhouse of distinct ingredients...
Post a Comment
Read more

Popular posts from this blog

Can You Become Enlightened?

If you are reading this, it signifies a deep yearning for spiritual awakening. However, before setting out on this profound journey, it is essential to grasp the true meaning of enlightenment. While the terms "enlightenment" or "awakening" are often used in English, their essence transcends linguistic limitations. Enlightenment is not merely an intellectual realization; it is a transformative experience—a state of being where one gains access to higher wisdom. It is a shift in awareness that surpasses ordinary perception, leading to a profound comprehension of existence, the self, and the ultimate truth of the cosmos. This brings us to an essential question: what exactly is divine wisdom? Simply put, it is a direct connection to the universal consciousness, an infinite reservoir where all knowledge—past, present, and future—coexists. We often turn to books, teachers, and external sources in pursuit of wisdom, assuming it must be acquired from outside. However, in ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Buddhism vs Hinduism: A Comparative Study of Differences, Similarities & Shared Vedic Teachings

Buddhism vs Hinduism: In-Depth Comparative Study of Atman, Anatta, Karma, Moksha & Nirvana Hinduism is often described as Sanātana Dharma —the “eternal way of life.” Buddhism arose from the same cultural soil but charted its own disciplined path to awakening.  Studying Buddhism vs Hinduism is therefore less a clash between rivals and more a dialogue between two complementary quests for freedom. By seeing where they diverge and where they overlap, modern seekers can extract practical wisdom from both traditions without losing intellectual honesty or spiritual depth. Buddha Rejected Vedic Rituals Some readers assume the Buddha opposed the Vedas outright. A better analogy is a medical student learning to use an MRI: she needs to understand the machine well enough to diagnose, not to redesign microchips. Likewise, the Buddha focused on one proven method, mindful investigation of suffering, rather than the entire spectrum of Vedic techniques. When students asked a...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ceasefire Illusion: Why Islamic Nations Abandoned Iran and the Reality of Iran’s Defence Collapse

Why Islamic Nations Didn't Support Iran in the Israel War: Sectarian Faultlines & Geopolitics What forced Iran to halt its war suddenly - was it victory, or a hidden collapse no one saw coming? The truth will surprise you. On a historic yet chaotic night, the world held its breath as Iran’s state-run broadcaster, IRINN , triumphantly declared that a ceasefire had been “ imposed on Israel ” following a supposed successful Iranian strike on a U.S. base in Qatar . As reported by the BBC , the narrative from Tehran implied victory. However, beneath this bravado was a sobering truth: Iran was collapsing from within , militarily exhausted and diplomatically isolated, especially by the very nations it counted as ideological allies, the Islamic world. This war, which many have already termed a short-lived yet symbolically intense conflict between Iran and the Israel-U.S. alliance , has revealed not just the fault lines in Middle Eastern geopolitics but also the st...
Post a Comment
Read more