Modi Quick to Hail Trump Win as India Sees Upturn in Ties

In contrast to the Indian industry’s cautious, the political class is laying down the red carpet for US President-elect Donald Trump. It is hoping the convergence between the Modi Government and Trump on identifying Pakistan as a nursery for terrorists will lead to an uptick in ties between India and the US.

New Delhi (Sputnik) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wasted no time in congratulating Donald Trump and hoped bilateral ties under his Presidency will reach new heights.

The cue for high expectations from Trump is because of his backing for India’s stand on terrorism especially cross border terrorism emanating from across the border. India sees Trump as an important ally when the US sallies out to counter terrorism under his Presidency. Indian Governments have believed that previous US administrations have been soft on Pakistan despite its clear culpability in fomenting terrorism in Afghanistan and India.

“India and the US are already important allies. We visualize much closer Indo-US ties during Trump’s Presidency because he will be tougher on terrorism, especially its haven in Pakistan. In fact, a India-US-Russia axis could emerge in Asia,” K P Vijayalakshmi, Professor at the Centre of American Studies in the Jawaharlal Nehru University told Sputnik.

Joseph Kruzich, Spokesperson of the US Embassy in New Delhi also appeared optimistic. “We can see a further strengthening of bonds. I think the trajectory of the India-US relations will be upward as both the countries are cooperating in several areas,” he told Sputnik.