Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
India seems to have been relegated to the status of a second-tier country by the Trump administration. His periodic endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi being a “good man” notwithstanding, the bilateral relationship has witnessed a severe dip. While the Quad is no longer an American priority, the U.S. decision to withdraw from a host of international organizations – including the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a body cofounded by and headquartered in India – continues to diminish the forums in which both countries can work together. With a trade treaty still far from fruition, the once-promising India-U.S. strategic partnership appears to be little more than a mirage.
One would have hoped for 2026 to begin on a better note than the previous year. However, in the first week of the new year, several shocks have been delivered by Trump: a possible 500 percent tariff on India due to its continuation of funding the Russian war chest by purchasing oil and an uncourteous reference by Trump regarding Modi’s alleged desperation to set up a meeting with him. Trump also referred, albeit wrongly, to the Indian frustration over the delay of the delivery of 68 Apache helicopters, although the total order of 28 Apaches has already been delivered. U.S. withdrawal from the ISA could have been an additional disappointment for India and a setback for global solar energy cooperation just as countries around the world are uniting in their efforts to deploy clean and affordable renewable power.
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