Title: PM Modi & Trump have good chemistry, nationalists respect each other: Jaishankar
The interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump has been a subject of much interest and scrutiny in recent times. While some have questioned the closeness between the two leaders, others have hailed it as a sign of a strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. In a recent statement, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shed more light on the dynamics between Modi and Trump, revealing that the chemistry between the two leaders was indeed good.
According to Jaishankar, the reason behind the successful interactions between Modi and Trump lies in their shared nationalist ideology. “Nationalists kind of respect each other,” he said in an interview. This is in stark contrast to Trump’s history with some other world leaders, many of whom have had strained relationships with the US President. Jaishankar’s comment suggests that Modi and Trump’s shared commitment to nationalism has created a bond between them that transcends their differences in other areas.
For those who may not be familiar with the term “nationalist,” it refers to someone who is deeply committed to their country’s sovereignty, culture, and values. In the context of international relations, nationalists often prioritize their nation’s interests over global cooperation and multilateralism. Trump, in particular, has been known for his “America First” approach, which has led to tensions with some of the world’s major powers.
Modi, too, has been accused of being a nationalist by some critics, who argue that his government’s policies have been driven by a desire to promote Indian interests over those of other nations. However, it’s worth noting that Modi’s brand of nationalism is distinct from Trump’s, and is often characterized as being more inclusive and focused on promoting India’s economic and cultural development.
Despite their differences, Modi and Trump have developed a strong rapport over the years. Their first meeting took place in June 2017, when Modi visited the White House shortly after Trump’s inauguration. Since then, they have met on several occasions, including at the G20 summit in Hamburg and the UN General Assembly in New York.
One of the key areas where Modi and Trump have found common ground is in their opposition to terrorism. Both leaders have been vocal in their condemnation of terrorist groups such as Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which have been responsible for several attacks in India. Trump has also been critical of Pakistan’s handling of these groups, and has threatened to cut off aid to the country if it fails to take action against them.
Another area where Modi and Trump have seen eye-to-eye is in their support for each other’s economic policies. Trump has been a vocal supporter of Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, which aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce India’s reliance on imports. Modi, in turn, has praised Trump’s efforts to reform the US tax code and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses.
Despite their many areas of agreement, Modi and Trump have also faced their share of challenges in their relationship. One of the most significant has been the issue of trade tariffs, which has led to a trade war between the two nations. India has been one of the countries hardest hit by Trump’s protectionist policies, and has imposed retaliatory tariffs on several US goods.
However, despite these challenges, Jaishankar’s comments suggest that the chemistry between Modi and Trump remains strong. The two leaders have developed a personal rapport, and have shown a willingness to work together on issues of common interest.
In conclusion, the interaction between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump has been marked by a strong chemistry and a shared commitment to nationalism. While they may have faced their share of challenges in their relationship, their willingness to work together on issues of common interest has been evident throughout. As Jaishankar’s comments suggest, the bond between Modi and Trump is rooted in their shared nationalist ideology, and is likely to endure despite any future challenges that may arise.
News Source: https://x.com/ANI/status/1893290316339539998
