Modi’s Meeting with Trump Amid Domestic Challenges and Global Diplomacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming U.S. visit and proposed meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump have raised significant questions about their political motives and the potential impact on their respective electoral fortunes. While Modi seeks to strengthen his international image and project India’s growing global influence, his domestic political landscape presents notable challenges, particularly in key states like Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Maharashtra.
Domestic Political Challenges
- Haryana: Once a BJP stronghold, Haryana now faces anti-incumbency sentiments fueled by rising unemployment and farmer unrest, particularly after the large-scale protests against the now-repealed farm laws. Local parties, especially the Indian National Congress (INC), are capitalizing on these issues, putting Modi’s BJP on the defensive in the region. The state, known for its agrarian economy, has seen growing dissatisfaction over agricultural reforms, making the upcoming elections a test for Modi’s governance.
- Jammu & Kashmir: The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 remains a contentious issue in J&K. While Modi projected this move as a step toward integrating the region fully with India, it has led to political instability. Delayed elections, heightened security concerns, and limited engagement with local leadership have strained BJP’s hold in the region. Local political parties, such as the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have criticized the central government’s approach, and the BJP is struggling to secure broad support.
- Maharashtra: Maharashtra has been a challenging battleground for the BJP since the 2019 split with its long-time ally Shiv Sena, which led to the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government under Uddhav Thackeray. While the BJP has managed to ally with Eknath Shinde’s breakaway faction of the Shiv Sena, the internal political landscape remains fragmented. The constant shifts in political alliances and the underlying regional issues have weakened BJP’s hold in the state, which was once a strong pillar of the party’s electoral success.
Internal Discontent in the BJP and RSS
While Modi’s leadership is often seen as strong and unchallenged, reports suggest growing discontent within the BJP and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS, a key influencer in shaping the BJP’s grassroots strategy, has expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s handling of various state-level challenges and governance issues. This includes the erosion of BJP’s regional power, mismanagement of key issues like inflation, and concerns over the centralization of power within Modi’s office, which many BJP MPs feel marginalizes regional leaders and diminishes internal democracy.
Several BJP MPs are reportedly frustrated with the party’s inability to deliver on core promises, such as employment generation and economic reform, especially in the face of rising inflation and unemployment. This internal dissent has caused a ripple effect within the party ranks, leading to calls for a more inclusive leadership approach.
Modi’s Strategic International Moves
Amid these internal and regional challenges, Modi’s international trips, such as the current visit to the U.S., are seen by some as an effort to divert attention from domestic issues. His meeting with Donald Trump is particularly noteworthy. For Modi, the optics of such high-level diplomacy serve to reinforce his global stature, which he has consistently used to enhance his domestic appeal. International diplomacy has long been one of Modi’s strengths, allowing him to position India as a key global player, especially in counterbalancing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Trump Factor: Mutual Political Interests
Modi’s proposed meeting with Trump, who is contesting the 2024 U.S. presidential election, holds mutual benefits for both leaders. Trump and Modi have shared a close rapport, evident in their previous interactions such as the “Howdy, Modi!” and “Namaste Trump” events, which were attended by thousands of Indian-Americans. For Trump, meeting Modi strengthens his foreign policy credentials, especially with the influential Indian-American voter base, a crucial demographic in key battleground states like Texas, New York, and California.
For Modi, a meeting with Trump sends a message of continuity in U.S.-India relations, especially if Trump were to return to power. Given Trump’s significant popularity among certain segments of the Indian diaspora, this meeting can further solidify Modi’s support within this community. However, this also carries risks, as it could invite criticism from his domestic opponents, who may question why Modi is engaging with a controversial figure like Trump at a time when he should be addressing India’s internal challenges.
The Perception of Avoidance and Criticism
Modi’s decision not to face any open press conferences in India for the past 10 years has also drawn significant criticism. Opposition parties and political commentators argue that this reflects a broader tendency to avoid addressing difficult domestic questions, especially on issues like inflation, unemployment, and governance failures in key states. Modi has preferred controlled interviews and public addresses where his messaging can be tightly managed. This avoidance, paired with his international diplomacy, leads to perceptions that Modi is seeking to shift attention from India’s pressing internal issues.