New Delhi: The perception of former US President Donald Trump as a champion of Hindutva ideology has persisted among some right-wing supporters in India, despite significant shifts in his policies and global outlook. What began as admiration for Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric during his 2016 presidential campaign has, over time, evolved into a complex and often contradictory narrative.
The belief that Trump was aligned with Hindutva ideologies gained momentum in December 2015 when, as a presidential candidate, he called for a total ban on Muslims entering the US. He also advocated increased surveillance of mosques, citing concerns over extremism. While much of the world reacted with shock and criticism, right-wing Hindu groups in India welcomed his statements as a validation of their own hardline stance.
The Hindu Sena, a fringe outfit, even celebrated Trump’s birthday, while some BJP leaders, including Vijay Jolly, openly expressed support for him. Trump himself played into this sentiment with a campaign video stating, “We love the Hindus,” further fueling the belief that he shared ideological common ground with India’s Hindutva supporters.
Despite the early enthusiasm, Trump’s presidency did not translate into any significant pro-Hindutva policies. The controversial Muslim ban was never fully realized, and the US continued to welcome Muslim visitors. Furthermore, Trump’s close business dealings with Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia, contradicted the image of him as a crusader against Islamic extremism.
For some Hindutva followers Trump’s perceived camaraderie with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced their belief in a strategic alliance that would protect Hindu interests globally. However, Trump’s foreign policy has always been transactional rather than ideological. His record shows that personal praise for leaders rarely translates into policy changes.
A prime example is his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Initially, Trump referred to him as “little rocket man” and engaged in a war of words. Yet, in a dramatic shift, he later declared, “We fell in love,” illustrating his unpredictability in international relations.
Trump ‘America First’ Agenda and India’s Reality Check
As Trump pursued his nationalist and protectionist policies, India found itself on his list of trade offenders. Despite warm optics during Modi’s visits to Washington, Trump repeatedly criticized India for what he considered unfair trade practices. He singled out India’s high import tariffs, particularly on automobiles, and included the country alongside China and the European Union as targets for reciprocal action.
Trump’s statement before Congress “We’ve been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth, and we will not let that happen any longer” made it clear that India was not exempt from his aggressive trade policies. His emphasis on economic nationalism meant that regardless of personal equations, his priority was to ensure America’s dominance in global trade.
Conclusion: Hindutva Expectations vs. Trump’s Reality
The idea that Trump is a natural ally of the Hindutva movement is more myth than reality. His policies are shaped by domestic American interests rather than ideological solidarity with right-wing groups abroad. While his earlier rhetoric may have resonated with certain sections of Indian society, his actions as President revealed a leader focused on economic self-interest, not global ideological battles.
For India, the lesson is clear diplomatic relations with the US must be based on strategic and economic realities, not on illusions of ideological alignment. As Trump’s policies demonstrated, personal rapport between leaders does not override national interest.
