Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States has set the stage for recalibrating US-India relations in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Modi’s ability to navigate the complexities of US politics and align India’s priorities with Washington’s strategic interests underscores the depth of this burgeoning partnership. This outreach, while tailored to the Biden administration, also prepares the groundwork for continuity in ties, even under a potential Trump 2.0 presidency.
Defense collaboration remains the cornerstone of US-India relations. Modi’s visit reinforced this aspect with landmark agreements on co-producing jet engines and transferring advanced drone technologies. These moves aim to reduce India’s reliance on Russian arms, aligning with Washington’s objective of diversifying India’s defense partnerships. The Quad—comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia—continues to anchor Indo-Pacific security, with both nations emphasizing countering China’s assertiveness.
The defense sector offers significant scope for deeper engagement, including expanded intelligence-sharing and joint military exercises. India’s strategic alignment with the US ensures the continuity of these initiatives, regardless of the political leadership in Washington.
Trade has long been a contentious issue between the two nations. During Modi’s visit, he positioned India as a critical partner in diversifying global supply chains, showcasing reforms in electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy. While the US sees immense potential in India’s growing market, trade barriers—such as tariffs and market access restrictions—remain areas of concern.
The economic symbiosis between the two nations is undeniable. The US remains a vital market for Indian IT services and exports, while India’s middle class presents vast opportunities for American businesses. Modi’s focus on balancing trade concerns with strategic imperatives aims to mitigate future friction, ensuring steady economic ties.
A shared goal of countering China’s influence dominated Modi’s discussions. Both nations are committed to strengthening the Quad and enhancing Indo-Pacific security. Modi’s “Make in India” initiative and production-linked incentives were presented as viable alternatives to Chinese manufacturing dominance. Diversifying supply chains and reducing dependence on Beijing remain pivotal to this partnership.
For Washington, India’s role as a counterweight to China is indispensable. The focus on defense collaboration, economic resilience, and technology partnerships bolsters this shared vision, ensuring that India’s strategic importance is firmly recognized.
Pakistan and Regional Dynamics
India’s concerns about Pakistan-sponsored terrorism were a focal point during Modi’s visit. The narrative emphasized Islamabad’s destabilizing role in South Asia, aligning with US interests in countering extremism. With growing instability in the region post-Afghanistan withdrawal, India has positioned itself as a reliable partner in maintaining regional stability. Modi’s efforts to frame India as a victim of cross-border terrorism, coupled with its economic and diplomatic leverage, ensure sustained US support. The fallout for Pakistan is evident in its increasing international isolation.
The reference to terrorism during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States has sent ripples through Pakistan’s diplomatic circles. With both Modi and President Donald Trump, back in power, aligning their narratives on terrorism and its roots, Pakistan finds itself facing renewed international scrutiny. This time, the implications are far-reaching, particularly with the invocation of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, an incident that remains a stark reminder of Pakistan’s alleged complicity in harbouring and supporting terrorist organizations.
Modi’s Strategy: Framing Pakistan as a Terror Hub
Prime Minister Modi’s visit strategically focused on India’s role as a global counter-terrorism partner. By bringing up terrorism in his conversations with US leaders, Modi emphasized Pakistan’s historical involvement in enabling extremist activities, a narrative that resonates well with Washington’s post-9/11 global counter-terrorism stance. The Mumbai terror attacks, orchestrated by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), were indirectly referenced as Modi highlighted the continued threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from India’s western neighbour.
Donald Trump’s past remarks on Pakistan’s alleged double-dealing in the war on terror add weight to this narrative. During his first term, Trump openly accused Pakistan of harbouring terrorists while accepting billions in aid from the US. Modi capitalized on this sentiment, reminding the global community of Pakistan’s failure to bring to justice the masterminds of the Mumbai attacks, including Hafiz Saeed, despite overwhelming evidence of their involvement. This not only strengthens India’s position but also corners Pakistan diplomatically.
The fallout of this coordinated anti-terror messaging is severe for Pakistan. The Mumbai terror attacks, in particular, remain a black mark on Pakistan’s global reputation. Despite pressure from India and the international community, Pakistan has been unable—or unwilling—to dismantle terror networks operating within its borders. Modi’s highlighting of such incidents during his US visit ensures that the issue remains alive in global forums, particularly in the United Nations and other multilateral bodies.
This renewed focus isolates Pakistan further, especially as the US and India deepen their strategic partnership. Washington’s willingness to engage with Modi’s narrative signals that Pakistan can no longer rely on past alliances with the US to deflect criticism. The growing alignment between New Delhi and Washington leaves Islamabad with fewer allies willing to defend its actions on terrorism, particularly as its ties with the West weaken and its dependency on China grows.
The Mumbai Attacks: A Persistent Shadow
The 2008 Mumbai attacks are central to India’s case against Pakistan’s role in terrorism. The attacks, carried out by ten Pakistani nationals, left 166 people dead and targeted multiple high-profile locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Nariman House. The sheer brutality of the attacks shocked the world, and the subsequent investigations pointed unequivocally to the involvement of the LeT, a terror group with close ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Despite international outrage, Pakistan has consistently failed to prosecute the key conspirators, including Hafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. Saeed, a UN-designated terrorist, has often operated with impunity within Pakistan, raising questions about the state’s complicity. Modi’s efforts to keep the memory of the Mumbai attacks alive during his US visit put the spotlight back on this unresolved issue, forcing Pakistan to answer difficult questions about its commitment to fighting terrorism.
Trump 2.0 and Pakistan’s Woes
Trump’s returning to power in 2025 amplifies Pakistan’s concerns. Trump’s no-nonsense approach to Pakistan during his first term, including the suspension of military aid, suggests that Islamabad could face even tougher scrutiny under a second Trump presidency. Trump’s open support for India’s counter-terrorism narrative, combined with Modi’s diplomatic push, could lead to further marginalization of Pakistan in global forums.Moreover, Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy may put Pakistan in an even more challenging position. While Pakistan has historically been able to leverage its strategic location to secure aid, this bargaining chip holds less value in a world where India is emerging as a key US partner in countering China. Trump’s focus on economic gains and security partnerships leaves little room for Pakistan to manoeuvre, especially if it continues to be associated with terrorism.
Technology and Innovation Partnerships
Technology collaboration emerged as a highlight, with discussions on artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, and clean energy. Modi showcased India’s burgeoning tech ecosystem and talent pool, aligning with US goals of decoupling critical supply chains from China.These partnerships present opportunities for joint ventures, co-development initiatives, and investments in cutting-edge technologies. India’s emphasis on innovation resonates with Washington’s strategic priorities, cementing tech collaboration as a defining pillar of bilateral ties.
Energy and Climate Cooperation
Energy security and climate action featured prominently in Modi’s agenda. India’s leadership in renewable energy and initiatives like the International Solar Alliance align with global priorities. Collaborative efforts in green hydrogen, battery storage, and clean energy transitions gained fresh momentum during the visit.While previous US administrations have differed in their climate policies, Modi’s focus on sustainable development ensures continuity in bilateral energy partnerships. These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to addressing global energy challenges.
Diaspora Diplomacy: A Bridge between Nations
Modi’s outreach to the Indian-American diaspora remains a hallmark of his foreign policy. By engaging with this influential community, Modi bolsters people-to-people ties and strengthens India’s image globally. The Indian diaspora’s contributions to the US economy and their increasing political influence serve as a bridge between the two nations.This engagement also underscores India’s soft power, highlighting its cultural and economic significance. The diaspora’s support further consolidates India’s position as a key US partner.
Geopolitical Implications and the Road Ahead
Modi’s visit underscores the convergence of US-India interests in shaping global geopolitics. By addressing critical issues like defense, trade, technology, and regional security, India has positioned itself as an indispensable partner for Washington. The shared vision of countering China and promoting a rules-based international order remains central to this partnership.
The challenges ahead include navigating trade frictions, managing regional dynamics, and balancing ties with both Washington and Beijing. Modi’s strategic diplomacy ensures that India remains a priority for US policymakers, laying the foundation for a robust partnership that transcends political transitions in Washington.
(Writer is strategic affairs columnist and senior political analyst)
