PM Modi & Trump have good chemistry, nationalists respect each other: Jaishankar
The world has witnessed numerous instances of leaders from different countries having varying degrees of rapport with each other. Some have been known to share strong bonds, while others have struggled to find common ground. In the case of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, their interactions have been characterized by a notable lack of tension and a palpable sense of camaraderie. This was reiterated recently by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who attributed their easy rapport to the fact that both leaders are nationalists and thus, “nationalists kind of respect each other”.
In an interview, Jaishankar highlighted the significant improvement in the relationship between India and the United States under the Modi-Trump dispensation. He pointed out that while Trump may not have a particularly positive history with many other world leaders, his interactions with Modi have been marked by a distinct lack of friction. As he noted, “I felt the chemistry was good. They are both nationalists, and nationalists kind of respect each other.”
It’s worth noting that Jaishankar’s statement is not an isolated opinion. Many observers have commented on the unusual degree of rapport between Modi and Trump, with some even going so far as to describe their relationship as “unconventional”. This is particularly striking given the vastly different personalities and political styles of the two leaders. Modi, known for his energetic and charismatic approach, has been praised for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Trump, on the other hand, has been criticized for his divisive rhetoric and tendency to prioritize his own interests over those of others.
Despite these differences, however, both leaders have consistently demonstrated a willingness to put aside their differences and work together in the interests of their respective countries. This has resulted in a significant strengthening of the India-US relationship, with cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, and counter-terrorism emerging as a key aspect of their partnership.
One of the most significant areas of cooperation between India and the United States has been in the realm of defense. Under the Modi-Trump administration, the two countries have engaged in a number of high-profile military exercises and have signed several significant defense agreements. These have included the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which enables the two countries to share military logistics and supplies, and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), which facilitates the sharing of sensitive military communications.
In addition to defense cooperation, the Modi-Trump administration has also made significant progress in the area of trade. Despite some initial tensions, the two countries have managed to agree on a number of key trade deals, including the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum and the India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue. These agreements have helped to increase trade between the two countries, with India emerging as one of the United States’ fastest-growing trading partners.
As Jaishankar noted, the strong personal chemistry between Modi and Trump has played a significant role in the success of their partnership. By building a rapport with each other, the two leaders have been able to establish a level of trust and understanding that has facilitated cooperation in a wide range of areas. This has been particularly important in the realm of counter-terrorism, where the two countries have worked together to combat shared threats such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda.
In conclusion, the interactions between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have been marked by a notable lack of tension and a palpable sense of camaraderie. This has been attributed to the fact that both leaders are nationalists and thus, “nationalists kind of respect each other”. As Jaishankar noted, the strong personal chemistry between Modi and Trump has played a significant role in the success of their partnership, facilitating cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, and counter-terrorism.
