Many of Donald Trump’s statements and actions since the beginning of his second term have been outrageous. Trump’s policies will bring a plethora of challenges to Indian diplomacy and foreign policy, particularly in maintaining its strategic autonomy said Ambassador Venu Rajamony. He was delivering a talk on ‘Trump 2.0: What Should India Expect?’ as the Visiting Professor of KPS Menon Chair for Diplomatic Studies at the School of International Relations and Politics (SIRP), Mahatma Gandhi University.

 

Trump’s desire to convert Gaza into a riviera of the Middle East, “take over” Gaza, deport illegal immigrants, take control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, sanction ICC, withdraw from WHO and Paris Accord, etc., has shocked the world. His controversial policies, such as his anti-immigration stance, unquestioned support for Israel, and tariff threats, will have far-reaching implications in the contemporary global landscape and shake the rule-based order. Ambassador Rajamony added that Trump’s “America First” approach and “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) campaign have already shown signs of undermining democratic principles and questioning the sovereign right of countries such as India to take decisions in their independent interest.

 

Dr. A. M. Thomas, former Director of SIRP, chaired the session, whereas Dr. Lirar Pulikkalakath coordinated the event. A dynamic interactive session followed the presentation, allowing students to pose questions and engage in a constructive exchange of ideas with the chief guest.