Donald Trump’s recent moves at the Davos summit show a clear strategic game, much like chess, with India at the center.
Just days earlier, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union was preparing the “mother of all deals” with India, possibly within a week. Soon after, Trump stepped into the spotlight.
At Davos, US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “fantastic man” and a friend.
He expressed strong confidence that India and the United States would soon strike a good trade deal. Trump’s warm words came alongside clear signals that Washington wants to keep India close amid growing global competition.
Trump also addressed reports about delays in the India–US trade agreement. Beyond India, Trump spoke on wider global issues, including Greenland, and his remarks were followed by the European Parliament pausing work on a US–EU trade deal.
Observers feel that Trump is quietly nudging India to make a choice between closer economic ties with the European Union and a stronger partnership with the United States.
Amid the current global uncertainty, Trump may be keen to ensure that India does not drift closer to the EU at America’s expense.
At the same time, Prime Minister Modi’s continued silence appears strategic, allowing India to keep all options open while carefully evaluating its long-term trade goals and broader strategic interests.
