Changed dynamics

• The first 48 hours of U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term have shown radical shifts in U.S. policy, focusing on “America First.”

• The new administration has shown interest in India, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar holding a one-on-one bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

• The two sides are aligned on Indo-Pacific partnership, Chinese actions, technology cooperation, strategic and defense ties.

• However, Trump-Rubio’s pronouncements on trade, immigration, and citizenship by birth cancellation have raised concerns.

• Trade: Trump’s comments on a “100% tariff” against all BRICS emerging economies grouping raised suspense and a possible market reaction.

• Immigration: Trump announced a “border emergency”, authorized a crackdown on illegal and undocumented migrants, and plans to cancel the automatic path to citizenship for H-1B visa holders and other Indians working there.

• Rubio’s statement and Trump’s pronouncements should be taken seriously, as well as his insisting on investments in the U.S., hiring in the U.S., and buying U.S. energy.

• New Delhi must prepare for a U.S. administration that will not be particularly sensitive to India’s concerns and will instead chart a transactional course.