President Donald Trump’s policy towards India is a study in contradiction, a paradox where he can call Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “good friend” one day and publicly attack his country the next. His UN speech brought this “good friend” paradox into its sharpest focus yet.
On one hand, there is the rhetoric of personal friendship. Trump has frequently and publicly praised Modi. Even Indian officials like Vice President CP Radhakrishnan have noted that “Trump continues to say, ‘Modi is my great friend’”. This creates an expectation of a warm, supportive relationship.
On the other hand, there is the reality of a hostile and punitive policy. This includes the recent 50% tariffs, high H-1B visa fees, and now, the severe public condemnation at the UN. Trump accused the country of his “good friend” of funding a war and misrepresented its history.
How can these two realities co-exist? The answer lies in Trump’s highly personalized and transactional worldview. The “friendship” is genuine on a personal level, but it is completely detached from the policy-making process, which is driven by a cold, “America First” calculus. The friendship is a pleasantry; the policy is business.
This paradox is deeply confusing and frustrating for India. It makes it impossible to know whether to engage with the friendly persona or brace for the hostile policy. The UN speech suggests that the policy side is what truly matters, and that the “good friend” rhetoric offers little to no protection when US interests are on the line.