US President Donald Trump is set to formally swear in ambassador-designate to India, Sergio Gor, during a ceremony at the Oval Office this Monday at 3 pm EST (1:30 am IST). This event comes at a time of growing concern among foreign policy analysts regarding Trump’s unpredictable policies, which many argue have strained relationships with key allies, including India.
Unlike the usual practice where the vice president administers the oath to new ambassadors, Trump’s direct involvement in Gor’s swearing-in ceremony underscores the close relationship between the two. While this closeness is significant, experts point out that Trump’s approach towards India has often been contradictory. He has publicly touted his friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while simultaneously imposing tariffs that critics argue undermine this relationship. For context, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan recently highlighted this contradiction, noting that India faces a 50% tariff compared to Pakistan’s 19%, raising questions about the strength of the US-India partnership.
Despite past tensions, there are indications that the US and India may be moving toward a trade agreement in the near future. However, concerns linger regarding the potential long-term impact of Trump’s transactional foreign policy, which some analysts believe could erode trust, a sentiment echoed by Raymond Vickery and David Price.
Trump’s foreign policy approach has been characterized by erratic moves, including his outreach to Pakistan and China, creating a perplexing landscape for international relations. Notably, his recent praise for Chinese policies and relaxed stance towards specific global players have prompted alarm among foreign policy experts. The administration’s recent focus appears to have shifted away from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) – involving the US, India, Japan, and Australia – which highlights the complexities of maintaining stable alliances.
In light of these developments, commentators like Max Boot have criticized Trump’s foreign policy as detached from reality, arguing that his unpredictable decisions leave both scholars and world leaders struggling to align their strategies with US actions. The uncertain landscape continues to challenge long-standing diplomatic efforts that took years to build. Nonetheless, as Gor prepares for his new role in New Delhi, there is hope that he will work towards mending ties and stabilizing the relationship between the US and India, which is crucial for addressing broader geopolitical challenges.