✍️ Special Correspondent
Since Donald Trump was re-elected as President of the United States in 2025, significant changes have emerged in his strategic stance and foreign policy. Previously, the Trump administration maintained close ties with India in South Asia, but that equation is now shifting. Trump’s sharp criticism is now aimed at India and, to a lesser extent, Bangladeshi Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to establish a more independent and balanced foreign policy in this altered reality.
U.S.-India Relations: The Current Landscape
1. Trade and Tariff Disputes
- The Trump administration has taken a strong position against India’s high tariff policies.
- Trump labelled India as the “Tariff King,” arguing that India imposes excessive tariffs on American goods.
- The two countries continue to face disputes over trade imbalance.
🔗 Source: WSJ: Trump Calls India a Tariff King
2. Human Rights and Kashmir
- The Trump administration has voiced concerns over Muslim rights in Kashmir and India’s Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
- Trump stated:
“India claims to be a democracy, but the suppression of Muslims in Kashmir raises serious concerns globally.”
3. Strategic Partnership Doubts
- While both countries are interested in countering China, Trump has questioned India’s “dual strategic posture.”
- He claims India occasionally adopts a softer approach towards China, conflicting with U.S. expectations.
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s Response: “National Interest Comes First”
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, responded that India’s tariff policies are shaped by its economic needs and that while discussions with the U.S. continue, India will not compromise its national interests.
“India’s tariff structure is essential for protecting our economic realities and domestic industries.”
🔗 Source: Asia Society
He emphasized that beyond trade, U.S.-India relations are multi-dimensional and must be approached holistically.
🔥 Tesla Controversy and Trump-Musk Rift
When Elon Musk sought to expand Tesla into the Indian market, Trump expressed strong disapproval:
“As an American company, your priority should be American workers, not India.”
🔗 Business Insider
Bangladesh: Opportunity for Independent Diplomacy in a New Reality
The Trump administration’s critical view of India and shifting South Asian geopolitics have created a strategic window for Bangladesh.
The Yunus Issue
Despite international concerns over the legal proceedings against Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus in Bangladesh, he has expressed optimism about U.S.-Bangladesh ties under Trump’s leadership.
“I believe U.S.-Bangladesh relations will be further strengthened during President Trump’s tenure.”
🔗 Reuters
A New Possibility Free from Indian Influence
The previous Bangladeshi government was often labelled as overly submissive to Indian interests. However, in this changing geopolitical environment, Bangladesh needs to adopt a balanced and sovereign foreign policy. Strengthening strategic ties with the U.S., European Union, China, and the Middle East can help secure Bangladesh’s diplomatic and economic interests.
✅ Conclusion
Although Trump’s new foreign policy is sharply critical of India, it may present a strategic opportunity for Bangladesh. Breaking away from India-dependent diplomacy and adopting a sovereign and independent stance is now Bangladesh’s most crucial foreign policy challenge—and opportunity.