Prime Minister's Meeting with President Trump
Prime Minister 's meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House is set against a backdrop of significant global transformations initiated by Trump. This meeting, scheduled for early Friday (February 14) India time, presents an opportunity to realign India-US relations amidst these changes.
Context of Global Shifts
- Trump is reshaping great power relations, potentially as significantly as the Yalta summit post-World War II.
- His recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin marks a shift from treating Russia as a pariah, aiming for cooperation and peace talks regarding Ukraine.
Implications for Europe
- Europe is largely absent from these discussions, with Trump urging European nations to assume greater responsibility for their defense.
- The US rejects Ukraine's NATO membership and insists Europe secure Ukraine's future without US or NATO peacekeeping troops.
Potential Consequences for Asia and India
- Uncertainty lingers about how a Trump-Putin agreement might affect Asia, particularly Moscow's ties with Beijing and the challenge posed by China.
- Modi has the opportunity to assess Trump's broader strategy and its implications for India during their meeting.
Geo-Economic Considerations
- Modi's discussions with Trump will likely extend to geo-economics, beyond geopolitical issues.
- India, along with the US, faces a significant trade deficit with China, emphasizing the need for a new global economic regime led by democratic nations to ensure balanced trade.
In conclusion, PM's meeting with Trump represents a critical juncture for India to engage in agile diplomacy to secure its interests amidst shifting global dynamics.
