As the United States drifts deeper into unpredictable, personality-driven foreign policy, especially with the return of Donald Trump into the political spotlight, India must pause and reassess its global positioning. The key takeaway for Indian policymakers from the current "Trump moment" is not about specific policies or tariffs. Rather, it is a wake-up call about returning to core strategic autonomy, and letting go of outdated faith in neoliberal globalism.

Trump’s rhetoric: no reliable allies, only transactional ties

Donald Trump’s blunt threats of tariffs on Indian oil buyers and his unfiltered criticism of countries like India despite shared democratic values underscore a reality that New Delhi can no longer ignore: U.S. foreign policy is deeply transactional, especially under Trump. Today’s global order offers no permanent friends—only shifting interests.

For India, this is neither cause for panic nor reason for hostility. But it reaffirms the timeless relevance of strategic autonomy, first articulated during the Non-Aligned Movement and later refined in India’s Look East and Act West policies.

Strategic autonomy means being strong enough to say no when necessary, and wise enough to say yes when beneficial—not being dragged by the whims of an American president, a Chinese edict, or a European commission.

The neoliberal consensus has collapsed

If the last few years taught us anything, it's this: neoliberalism is no longer the global religion it once was. The idea that open markets, minimal government, and global integration would bring prosperity for all has been severely discredited by real-world crises—from COVID-19 to war-driven energy shocks, and now, by Trump's re-emergence with tariffs and protectionism.

India, too, is no longer a passive participant in that failed consensus. Programmes like Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and PLI schemes reflect a turn towards domestic resilience, not blind integration into global supply chains.

The Trump moment drives home the point that depending on foreign capital, Western markets, or multilateral liberalism is not a safe bet. Instead, India must build internal capacity, diversify partners, and cultivate regional coalitions like BRICS and SCO.

Soft power must be soft — not screeching

In recent years, India’s foreign messaging has sometimes taken a needlessly aggressive tone. What should have been a nuanced projection of cultural appeal and democratic maturity often came across as strident nationalism, amplified by social media warriors and overly assertive officials.

But real soft power is subtle, not self-congratulatory. The success of India's diaspora, cinema, literature, yoga, or democratic institutions speaks louder than slogans. In contrast, hyper-visible campaigns like "India is the mother of democracy" or relentless self-promotion at global events can feel tone-deaf, even irritating, to international audiences.

The Trump moment reminds us that humility, consistency, and credibility are the true hallmarks of global influence.

Avoid both flattery and confrontation

India must also learn that neither sycophancy nor hostility works with great powers like the U.S. Flattering American leaders—be it through mega events like "Howdy Modi" or "Namaste Trump"—may offer short-term optics but rarely yield lasting strategic depth. Conversely, overreacting to every jab or policy change from Washington with anger or victimhood does more harm than good.

Instead, India must act with mature balance, issue firm but respectful statements, and negotiate based on sovereign interests, not emotional reactions.

In practical terms:

• Continue defence and tech cooperation with the U.S., but don’t rely on it as a strategic umbrella.

• Work with Russia, Iran, and China when needed, but don’t surrender to their geopolitical games.

• Build independent supply chains, indigenous technologies, and multilateral partnerships outside Western frameworks.

Strategic autonomy is not isolation

It’s important to clarify that strategic autonomy does not mean isolationism. India must remain engaged in the world, but on its own terms. That means choosing partners issue-wise, rejecting imposed binaries, and refusing to be part of any exclusive bloc that demands complete loyalty.

India's foreign policy success stories—like vaccine diplomacy, maritime cooperation, and neutrality on Ukraine and Gaza—are proof that autonomy works when backed by strength and strategic clarity.

Rebuilding a post-neoliberal foreign policy

The Trump moment symbolises the global retreat from multilateralism, and India must lead in shaping a new, pluralistic global order. That involves:

• Promoting South-South cooperation instead of always looking Westward.

• Strengthening regional institutions like BIMSTEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

• Pushing for UN reforms and taking stronger leadership roles in climate negotiations, food security, and AI governance.

Neoliberal globalisation told us to open markets, deregulate economies, and follow the West. That formula has reached its expiry date.

Now India must write its own script—informed by Gandhi’s ethics, Nehru’s diplomacy, Vajpayee’s pragmatism, and today’s geopolitical realism.

Conclusion

The Trump moment is a reminder, not a rupture. It tells India: don’t depend on Western goodwill, don’t get drawn into power-centric theatrics, and don’t lose your voice in the race to gain validation.

India’s foreign policy must now be assertive but not aggressive, independent but not aloof, and soft-spoken but strongly grounded in national interest. In the post-Trump, post-neoliberal world, strategic autonomy is not a choice—it is survival.

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