Modi Returns to India: Avoids Political Pitfalls with

Trump and Harris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded a significant visit to the United States, returning to India without engaging in domestic American politics or meeting with prominent presidential candidates, including Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. His trip was packed with activities, including discussions with President Joe Biden, participation in a Quad leaders’ summit, and an address at the UN Summit of the Future, leaving little room for political engagements with the candidates who are currently campaigning for the 2024 election.

Modi’s Diplomatic Approach

Modi’s decision to avoid interactions with Trump and Harris seems strategic, especially given past experiences. During his previous encounters with Trump, notably the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston in 2019, there were implications that Modi was endorsing Trump, which later necessitated a recalibration of India’s diplomatic stance when Biden took office. This time, Modi’s team appeared to prioritize discretion, citing “scheduling difficulties” as a reason for not meeting either candidate.

The MAGA Context

Trump had hinted at a potential meeting with Modi before his arrival, which led to speculation among supporters. However, this did not materialize, and Modi’s absence from the political fray during his visit has been interpreted as a deliberate choice to maintain neutrality in the face of a politically charged environment in the U.S.. As Trump continues to navigate controversies surrounding his associations within the Republican Party, including backlash over his ties to far-right figures like Laura Loomer, Modi’s non-involvement is seen as a way to sidestep any potential fallout from U.S. domestic politics.

What were the main reasons Modi avoided meeting Trump and Harris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi avoided meeting both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris during his recent visit to the United States for several key reasons:

1. Packed Schedule

Modi’s itinerary was heavily packed with significant diplomatic engagements, including meetings with President Joe Biden, participation in a Quad leaders’ summit, and addressing the UN Summit of the Future. This tight schedule left little room for additional meetings, particularly with candidates who were also busy campaigning for the upcoming presidential election.

2. Avoiding Domestic Politics

Modi’s decision to steer clear of domestic American politics was deliberate. Engaging with either candidate could have been interpreted as taking sides in the U.S. election, potentially alienating one political faction or the other. This caution stems from past experiences, such as Modi’s perceived endorsement of Trump during his 2019 visit, which led to complications in India-U.S. relations when Biden took office.

3. Scheduling Difficulties

The Indian government cited “scheduling difficulties” as a reason for not arranging meetings with Trump or Harris. This explanation aligns with the busy schedules of both Modi and the candidates, who were engaged in their respective campaign activities during Modi’s visit.

4. Political Sensitivities

Meeting Trump without also meeting Harris could have been seen as a bias towards the Republican candidate, which might have strained relations with the Democratic Party. Given that Indian-Americans have traditionally leaned Democratic, Modi’s team likely aimed to avoid any appearance of favoritism that could complicate future diplomatic interactions.

5. Past Tensions

Modi’s past interactions with Trump included moments of embarrassment, such as Trump’s public criticisms regarding trade policies and claims about mediation in Kashmir, which New Delhi had to refute. These past tensions may have influenced Modi’s decision to avoid a meeting that could rekindle negative narratives or misinterpretations.In summary, Modi’s avoidance of meetings with Trump and Harris was a strategic choice influenced by his packed schedule, a desire to remain neutral in U.S. politics, and the need to navigate past diplomatic sensitivities carefully.