Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi quickly reached out to congratulate President-elect Donald Trump following his electoral win, marking a significant moment in the U.S.-India relationship. In a notable gesture, Modi was one of the first global leaders to extend his congratulations to Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. This historic victory made Trump only the second U.S. president, after Grover Cleveland, to serve non-consecutive terms. World leaders from various nations, including Ukraine’s Zelensky and Argentina’s Javier Milei, also offered their congratulations, while some rogue states that had tense relationships with Trump during his first presidency dismissed the election results as inconsequential.
Modi’s express congratulations held particular significance, not only because he was reaching out to Trump following the latter’s win against a candidate with strong Indian-American ties, but also due to his established rapport with Trump during the latter’s term as president. Modi described their past interactions, sharing photos of them together and expressing a hopeful outlook on future collaborations. His congratulatory message on Twitter included an earnest wish to work together to bolster the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, highlighting a shared commitment to promoting peace and prosperity globally.
Following up on his initial tweet, Modi tweeted about their telephone conversation where he congratulated Trump on what he termed a “spectacular victory.” His commitment to work closely with Trump again encompasses various sectors including technology, defense, energy, and space. This echoes the close ties the two leaders maintained during Trump’s presidency when India was often positioned as a key ally against the challenges posed by China. Their collaboration was publicly illustrated at a massive rally in Texas in 2019 attended by Indian-Americans, where both leaders expressed mutual admiration and a solidified partnership.
In that Texas rally, Modi praised Trump for his leadership and dedication to America while acknowledging Trump’s skills in negotiation—a sentiment Trump reciprocated. One year later, Trump awarded Modi the prestigious Legion of Merit for his efforts in strengthening U.S.-India relations, further solidifying the bond between the two leaders. Modi’s support for Trump seemed to transcend mere political alliances, as he seemingly positioned himself as an ally during Trump’s ongoing political campaigns, indicating a strong ideological alignment.
As Trump prepared for his 2024 electoral campaign, he continued to focus his attention on Indian-Americans, highlighting his intentions to protect Hindu Americans against perceived anti-religious agendas espoused by opposing political figures. In a message to the Hindu community during the Diwali festival, Trump criticized the current administration’s conduct, suggesting that under his leadership, the concerns of Hindus would be prioritized. Despite some contention, Trump enjoys notable support among Modi’s political base in India, evidenced by a special prayer held by Hindu Sena priests after a failed assassination attempt against him.
In light of the serious nature of the attempts on Trump’s life, Modi expressed deep concern and condemned the violence affecting political figures, reiterating that such acts have no place in a democracy. His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining a robust U.S.-India relationship based on shared values and mutual respect. Overall, the interactions between Modi and Trump reflect a complicated yet significant political partnership, as both leaders seek to fortify their respective nations’ interests on the global stage while navigating internal and external challenges.
