Having experienced Indian commerce ministry’s tactics in his first term, Trump will not be above imposing tariffs if he feels New Delhi is giving Washington the run around in trade negotiations
Even before Trump took his second oath of office, a few things were clear to New Delhi in its initial interactions. One, this was Trump unalloyed, no longer moderated by inexperience and a Beltway staff as he was in his first term. Two, India should not expect leeway because of strategic relations. Trump largely sees allies and partners as freeloaders, he would have to be won over on additional grounds. Three, India’s two biggest negatives for the US president were its protectionism and its illegal migrants.