Trump’s Shifting Stance: Can India Trust His Trade Promises?

In a panel discussion hosted by senior journalist Barkha Dutt, voices from across the spectrum weighed in. Author and columnist Tavleen Singh cautioned that India should not invest too much trust in Trump, urging the Prime Minister to avoid engaging directly with such an unreliable leader. Veteran diplomat Former Diplomat Amb Majeev Puri acknowledged Trump’s volatility but stressed that economic imperatives make engagement with the U.S. unavoidable.

Retired Lt General Raj Shukla emphasized that while Trump’s persona dominates U.S. dealings, his influence may be overrated. He warned that India’s real priority must be access to American technology, which Trump could make prohibitively difficult. Political analyst Kushal Mehra added that India has so far struck the right balance—standing firm on its red lines, while keeping responses measured and civil.

Across the board, experts noted that India faces limited choices: it cannot pivot towards China, and multipolarity offers only partial cover. Instead, the consensus was that India must remain pragmatic, protect its economic interests, and avoid being drawn into Trump’s theatrics.

Barkha Dutt observed that the only language the world ultimately respects is power—power derived from economic strength and reform. For India, she said, the real task lies at home: to push ahead with growth and transformation so the country is not merely reacting to global shifts but shaping them.