PM Modi & Trump have good chemistry, nationalists respect each other: Jaishankar
India and the United States have a long history of diplomatic relations, and in recent years, the ties have strengthened significantly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. The two leaders have had several interactions, including bilateral meetings, phone calls, and video conferences, which have been marked by a sense of cordiality and mutual respect.
In a recent interview, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shed light on the dynamics between PM Modi and President Trump, revealing that the interactions between the two leaders have gone “very well”. According to Jaishankar, the secret to their successful interactions lies in the fact that both PM Modi and President Trump are nationalists, and nationalists, by nature, respect each other.
“This is a interesting thing,” Jaishankar said. “I think when you are a nationalist, you kind of respect another nationalist. And I think that’s what happened here.” He added that President Trump doesn’t necessarily have a positive history with many other world leaders, which isn’t the case with PM Modi. “I felt the chemistry was good,” he said.
Jaishankar’s comments come at a time when the world is witnessing a growing trend of nationalism and protectionism. Many countries are re-evaluating their trade policies, immigration laws, and foreign relationships, and India and the United States are no exceptions. Under the leadership of PM Modi and President Trump, both countries have taken steps to prioritize their national interests, which has led to a sense of trust and understanding between the two nations.
PM Modi and President Trump have had several interactions since Trump took office in 2017. In 2017, Trump hosted PM Modi at the White House, where they discussed a range of issues, including terrorism, trade, and security. Since then, they have had several phone calls and video conferences, where they have discussed topics such as the Indo-Pacific region, counter-terrorism, and climate change.
One of the significant outcomes of their interactions has been the strengthening of Indo-US defense ties. In recent years, India and the United States have signed several defense agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). These agreements have enhanced the military cooperation between the two countries, enabling them to share intelligence, conduct joint military exercises, and enhance their defense capabilities.
Another area where PM Modi and President Trump have shown significant convergence is in their approach to trade. Both leaders have been critical of the existing trade agreements between the two countries, which they believe are not fair and balanced. In 2018, Trump imposed tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum imports, which led to a trade war between the two nations. However, since then, the two countries have made significant progress in resolving their trade disputes.
In August 2020, the United States and India signed the U.S. India Trade Policy Forum, which aimed to improve trade relations between the two countries. The agreement focused on issues such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce, and it was seen as a significant step forward in resolving the trade disputes between the two nations.
PM Modi and President Trump have also shown a strong commitment to fighting terrorism and promoting regional security. In 2019, the two leaders issued a joint statement on counter-terrorism, where they condemned terrorism in all its forms and called for collective action to combat the menace. They also discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific region, where they emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability.
Jaishankar’s comments on the chemistry between PM Modi and President Trump are significant, as they reveal the level of trust and understanding that exists between the two leaders. The External Affairs Minister’s observation that nationalists respect each other is particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the importance of shared values and ideals in shaping international relations.
In conclusion, the interactions between PM Modi and President Trump have been marked by a sense of cordiality and mutual respect. The two leaders have shown a strong commitment to promoting national interests, fighting terrorism, and strengthening regional security. As Jaishankar noted, the chemistry between the two leaders is good, and this is likely to continue in the future.
News Source:
https://x.com/ANI/status/1893290316339539998
