At their meeting in the White House yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump presented their respective political visions in a way that resonated deeply with their supporters. While Trump championed his “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement, Modi countered with “Viksit Bharat.” The contrast in their rhetoric raises fundamental questions about how each nation perceives its past, present, and future.
Trump’s vision for America is rooted in a call to restore past glory, positioning his movement as a rejection of the political elite and globalist policies. Modi’s “Viksit” approach, on the other hand, focuses on the future, seeking to transform India into a developed nation. The difference is subtle yet significant. One draws strength from historical pride, while the other emphasizes progress and transformation.
Trump’s impact on governance has triggered both fierce criticism and strong loyalty. His policies, particularly in foreign affairs, have forced Americans to rethink long-standing military interventions. His campaign’s focus on President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan underscores a shift in American public sentiment. Trump’s supporters see this as proof that the establishment, including sections of the Democratic Party, has failed them.
This shift is embodied by key figures such as former Democrat and current Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard. In her book For Love of Country: Leave the Democrat Party Behind, Gabbard reflects on her disillusionment with a political system that, in her view, has been driven by elite interests rather than the people’s will. Her appointment signals a move toward leadership that values ideological consistency over political convenience.
For years, anti-war activists and progressives criticized America’s war economy, but it is Trump’s base that has now emerged as the most vocal opponent of foreign military entanglements. The traditional belief that American global dominance must come at the cost of perpetual warfare is being challenged from within. This marks a fundamental realignment in US politics — one that rejects interventionism, embraces economic nationalism, and values domestic strength over global policing.
While Trump has redefined the American political landscape, Indian policymakers must reassess their approach to the US. Historically, Indian Americans have pursued an image of success through elite education, corporate leadership, and political representation. However, the emerging trend in American politics is moving away from identity-based representation toward ideological loyalty. Figures like Kash Patel, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tulsi Gabbard have gained prominence not because of their ethnic background, but because they align with a larger political narrative centered on truth, nationalism, and governance reform.
India’s diplomatic approach has often leaned on old clichés, framing itself as the “largest democracy” engaging with the “oldest democracy.” However, Trump’s America demands something different — an engagement rooted in pragmatism rather than platitudes. Modi’s later reference to “MAGA-MIGA-MEGA” (Make America Great Again, Make India Great Again, and Make Earth Great Again) resonated far more than conventional diplomatic rhetoric.
As the world’s youngest major democracy continues its rapid rise, India must recognize the fundamental shifts occurring in the US. The old model of soft power through cultural assimilation and economic success is giving way to a more direct, values-driven approach. The challenge now is to engage with an America that values conviction over conformity.
India’s relationship with the US will continue to evolve, but the days of seeking validation through American institutions or political endorsements are fading. Instead, the focus should be on shaping a narrative that aligns with India’s civilizational ethos and contemporary ambitions. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, both nations will need to redefine their engagement — not through outdated diplomatic slogans, but through a shared vision of resilience, sovereignty, and self-reliance.
