Donald Trump’s recent win in the 2024 U.S. election has brought forth an interesting aspect of his administration – his family’s ever-growing ties with India, led by his daughter, Ivanka Trump.
Ivanka has developed connections with Indian leaders and entrepreneurs which is surely an asset that can help shape U.S.-India relations in quite productive ways.
Her role, alongside her husband Jared Kushner, could easily become an unofficial channel that amplifies the Trump administration’s relationship with India, particularly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Ivanka Trump and India: A diplomatic foundation
Ivanka’s relationship with India began in early 2017 when she attended the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad as a U.S. representative. During this visit, she advocated for women’s entrepreneurship and job creation in developing nations. The trip featured Ivanka as a diplomat in her own right and helped her build a personal connection with India’s leaders and its growing entrepreneurial community.
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Since then, Ivanka has maintained a public rapport with PM Narendra Modi, often acknowledging the importance of India as a partner in global trade. This relationship is built on shared goals, especially around economic development and technology. She being a trusted advisor in the White House can also lead to innovative U.S.-India partnerships in sectors such as technology and defence.
Jared Kushner’s role in foreign policy
Ivanka’s husband Jared was quite important to Donald Trump’s previous administration and served as a back-channel diplomat in shaping foreign policy. Known for his role in establishing the Abraham Accords, Kushner brings experience in handling complex diplomatic relations. His involvement in the administration’s policy could easily cushion Trump’s strategy toward India.
The Modi Factor: A shared vision
Prime Minister Modi and Trump have often spoken highly of each other, with Modi hosting Trump at a massive rally in Ahmedabad in 2020. Modi’s popularity among Indian Americans has also acted as an indirect advantage for the Trump family, as this community represents a strong political base in the United States. Ivanka’s connection to Modi could add further goodwill also because she has the potential to appeal to both American and Indian audiences.
By working on initiatives that align with India’s goals such as job creation, women’s entrepreneurship, and tech innovation Ivanka could help build a legacy that aligns with both nations’ economic interests.
Looking ahead what this means for U.S.-India relations?
If Ivanka Trump holds on to her connections in India, the next four years could see increased collaboration between the two countries. Her understanding of Indian culture, her rapport with Modi, and her work in women’s empowerment could pave the way for impactful partnerships that benefit both nations. With Trump’s administration focused on economic growth, her experience with Indian entrepreneurship might influence future policies that encourage U.S.-India tech and trade collaboration.
