Mr.Narendra Modi’s visit to U.S.A has improved the bonhomie between Mr.Trump and India. However, it fell short of addressing India’s concerns. Major focus was on Infrastructure, Energy, Trade and Terrorism. Other key areas such as Climate change, H1B visa, Nuclear reactors, USFDA sanctions on pharmaceutical companies were kept out of the discussion. The joint statement issued by Mr.Modi and Mr.Trump contained more words than numbers. Absence of numbers indicates that no substantial discussions have taken place.
In the ever changing world political dynamics, Modi’s visit to USA has larger significance. Recent survey from Pew Research Centre showed that the trust on Mr.Trump is sinking. America’s image is also going down after Mr.Trump has assumed the Presidency. And at this particular moment, Mr. Modi visits America and got their work done in the form of Energy and Defence deals. Maybe he should have bargained more to push our interests. USA has would not provide further funds to India in the form of Green Climate Fund. A fresh deal across these lines would have been beneficial to India.
Of course, we could not expect wonders to happen in the first meeting. Sensible chemistry was clearly visible between the two leaders. Modi’s invitation to Trumps’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, for an Entrepreneurship summit is a smart move. She is one of the power centres in the White House. Engaging her in the negotiations will have wider and positive influence on Trump towards India. He also engaged First Lady Melania. It all looks like a good beginning. In the words of Trump, the relationship between India and USA were never better and stronger. The strength of his words is yet to be seen.