In a striking display of his unpredictable diplomatic style, former US President Donald Trump’s views on India underwent a dramatic reversal within just one week. The flip-flop began when he labelled the recent US presidential debate between Joe Biden and himself a “one-sided disaster,” while also taking an unexpected swipe at India. He controversially referred to the nation as “not so good” and accused it of sending highly educated professionals who were taking American jobs.
However, just days later, Trump performed a complete about-face. Following a congratulatory phone call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding presidential immunity, Trump’s tone shifted entirely. He took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to praise Modi, calling him “a great friend to the United States and to me.” He warmly recounted their past relationship and declared, “I will always be a true friend to India.”
This rapid shift from public criticism to effusive praise underscores the transactional and personality-driven nature of Trump’s foreign policy approach, leaving observers to question the consistency and strategic depth of his stance on key international relationships like that with India.
