The world looks on with bated breath as Donald Trump, President-elect of the world’s most influencial democracy is set to take oath in the same week as the world’s largest democracy, India, celebrates its 76th Republic Day. As Trump takes office, the world is optimistic that the many disruptions attributed to the previous administration will soon find a peaceful and long-lasting solution. Along with Trump comes a buy-one-get-one free package of Elon Musk, referred to by many as a ‘disruptor-in-chief’, the man behind three tech companies, PayPal, Tesla and Space X, who approaches problems with a “physics mindset”.
Musk once famously said, “Make sure you understand the fundamental principles, i.e., the trunk and big branches before you get into the leaves/details or there is nothing for them to hang on to.” The technocrat’s achievements are a cause both of fascination and envy. Back when Tesla had just hit the road, I was being interviewed by Papa CJ and asked, “Who would you like to have a cup of tea with?” I clearly recall my answer. “Elon Musk, as I would like to learn the science of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy so that my cycling on my stationary bike would power my ceiling fan”.
Musk’s ‘creative suggestions’ on political, economic and moral matters have far-reaching ramifications given that he is the oligarch who controls X, one of the largest social media platforms. Whichever perspective you view him from, Musk is a complex and controversial figure. Some see him as a visionary entrepreneur driving technological progress, while others consider him a disruptive force with questionable political and social influence. There’s no doubt that Musk wields considerable clout in the international politics of our times. We can only hope that Trump’s team of technocrats, with the super-IQs of Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, will bring about a super solution to many of the issues the world is currently battling.
Trump’s re-election
Trump is being sworn in, and there’s a clear reason for his return to power. The American people are reeling from economic issues, which played a significant role in swaying voters. Many felt that the country was economically better under Trump’s previous administration compared to the subsequent years under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. This perception led to a shift in voter sentiment, with nearly 50 per cent believing the nation was in a better state with Trump at the helm.
During pre-covid era, there were notable economic milestones that resonated with many Americans. Unemployment rates for African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, Asian-Americans, Native-Americans, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those without a high school diploma had reached record lows. The unemployment rate for women dropped to its lowest since the 1940s. Additionally, seven million people stopped relying on food stamps and efforts were made in lifting poor African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans out of poverty. Wages rose by 16 per cent for low-income and blue-collar workers, and the net worth of the poorest American households increased by 40 per cent. More than 1.2 million manufacturing and construction jobs were created, alongside measures to bring back supply chains from overseas. Buoyed by hopes for Trump’s policies, by December 2024, small business optimum was highest since 2018.
Moreover, Trump is widely considered more stable in his foreign policy, compared to the perceived failures of the Biden Administration in handling the Middle East crisis. The mishandling of Syria and Bangladesh is also a point of concern. The Ukraine situation has escalated under Biden, but there is hope for a peaceful resolution to this East-European conflict soon after 20 January. When Trump will take the oath.
Musk in the President’s office
It isn’t uncommon for rich businessmen to sponsor or subsidise presidential campaigns. However, the level of political influence Musk wields is unprecedented. Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz joked that Musk, not JD Vance was Trump’s running mate. Jason Seawright, a political science professor at Northwestern University and co-author of Billionaires and Stealth Politics notes, “We’ve never really seen anyone be that directly connected with a campaign unless they were the candidate.” Musk is setting a precedent for other billionaires to demand a seat at the head table of American Politics—billionaires who might have otherwise followed the old adage’s corollary: “Be heard, not seen.” For instance, Trump’s last billionaire contributor Robert Mercer maintained a low profile.
The Tesla CEO has no interest in hiding in the shadows, having contributed over $130 million to Trump’s political campaign. He has already been allocated the Department of General Efficiency (DOGE), which is a proposed department to cut down on federal expenditure. Along with billionaire of Indian origin, Ramaswamy, this role will give Musk far-reaching powers in the US government. Musk is likely to shake up the economy with his visionary acumen. And being a pioneer in the clean energy industry, he will likely be a stabilising influence on Trump’s anti-climate rhetoric.
Also read: Mark Zuckerberg’s tryst with Trump, tampons, and truth
Trump and India
The re-election of Trump in 2024 has significant implications for the US-India relations, building upon the foundations established during his previous term. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump share mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and nationalism. While Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ Policy stands for an America that is unbeatable, Modi’s motivational slogan is ‘India First’. Both leaders are mindful of each other’s right to pursue their country’s self-interest. Mature democracies operate on the premise of “live and let live”. In contrast, the Democratic administration’s interference—allegedly influenced by George Soros-funded initiatives—negatively impacted India through the Bangladesh crisis, farmers’ protest and other activities.
Trump’s anti-immigrant stance does not seek to exclude immigrants that bring value to the US economy. And high-functioning immigrants such as Musk and Ramaswamy are part of his core team. The impact can be seen in Trump’s new H1B policy.
In fact, India should take a leaf out of Trump’s playbook and build a correct narrative around its citizenship laws—blocking illegal immigration while expediting legitimate migrations from neighbouring countries—as a step toward correcting historical wrongs.
Economic engagement: India is keen on strengthening its economic ties with the US under the renewed Trump administration. Efforts are underway to engage with US officials to enhance trade and investment between the two nations. While some in India are apprehensive that the US may increase protective tariffs, the weakening rupee is likely to benefit exporters. Bilateral trade between India and the US, its largest trading partner, surpassed $118 billion in 2023-2024, with India enjoying a $32 billion surplus. Industry projections indicate a potential $50 billion increase in the next two-three years, highlighting strong growth prospects. The government and industry seek a broader trade pact to boost India’s global supply chain integration while maintaining policy flexibility.
Defense and strategic cooperation: The US-India defense relationship is likely to continue its positive trajectory. During Trump’s earlier term, significant steps were taken to increase strategic cooperation such as the tri-service exercise Tiger Triumph and the relaxation of defence export controls. The Trump administration’s stance aligns with India’s interests in Indo-Pacific security.
The Quad Alliance: The Trump administration is set to convene a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Quad Alliance—Japan, India, and Australia—marking one of its first foreign policy actions. This underscores a continued focus on regional partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
Hinduphobia
Recently there has been a lot of discussion on Hinduphobia in the US. To counter this rising phenomenon, Trump has appointed openly vocal Hinduism practitioner, Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, a post that puts her in the forefront of MAGA politics.
Two powerful democracies who are friends can respectfully disagree on some issues, but address the causes that may lead to frosty relations. The challenges faced by India under the former US government are likely to thaw under Donald Trump. Areas of cooperation should continue. With Trump taking oath as President this week, we hope for a long and fruitful relationship between the US and India and look forward to seeing Tesla supercars on Indian roads. I also sincerely hope that India files related to X are opened, as my account seems to be stuck, with no plausible explanation, for the past decade.
Meenakshi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)
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