As India Ties Sour, Trump Tries to Balance Pakistan Bonhomie

Introduction

The Trump era marked a critical juncture in South Asia’s geopolitics. Initially leaning toward India as a counterweight to China, Washington soon faced setbacks due to trade disputes, defense purchases from Russia, and human rights issues. Meanwhile, Pakistan regained relevance by playing a pivotal role in the Afghan peace process. For CSS aspirants, this triangular dynamic between the US, India, and Pakistan provides a rich case study for International Relations, Current Affairs, and Essay papers.

Analytical Article Style

1. US–India Relations Under Strain

Trade Disputes: In 2019, the US revoked India’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), affecting $5.6 billion worth of exports.
Defense Concerns: India signed a $5.43 billion S-400 missile deal with Russia, despite US objections.
Human Rights Tensions: US raised concerns over Kashmir lockdown (2019) and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Strategic Role: Despite tensions, the US still viewed India as part of its Indo-Pacific strategy against China.

2. US–Pakistan Bonhomie

Afghan Peace Process: Pakistan’s support was central to the Doha Agreement (2020) between the US and Taliban.
Diplomatic Engagement: Trump met PM Imran Khan three times (2019–2020), signaling renewed ties.
Military Cooperation: Partial restoration of US aid highlighted Islamabad’s regained importance.
Geopolitical Balancing: Pakistan carefully managed ties with both the US and China.

3. Strategic Implications

Regional Balance of Power: US tilt towards India was balanced by its reliance on Pakistan for Afghanistan.
China Factor: Growing China–Pakistan partnership (CPEC, BRI) limited US leverage.
Kashmir Stalemate: US rhetoric on human rights had little real impact on India’s policy.
US Influence: The episode reflected the limits of American power in shaping South Asian dynamics.

4. CSS Relevance

IR Paper: Example of triangular diplomacy and great-power competition.
Essay Paper: Useful for topics on “Global Power Shifts” or “Changing South Asian Politics.”
Current Affairs: Key reference for US foreign policy questions.

5. Conclusion

Trump’s balancing act between India and Pakistan demonstrates how strategic interests outweigh declared principles in international politics. For aspirants, it underlines the importance of analyzing facts, dates, deals, and global rivalries to frame strong, exam-worthy arguments.

Study Note Style (CSS Prep)

Key Facts & Figures

2019: US ended India’s GSP trade benefits ($5.6bn exports hit).
2019–2020: Trump met Imran Khan three times.
2020: Pakistan facilitated Doha Peace Agreement between US & Taliban.
$5.43bn: India’s S-400 missile deal with Russia (2018 signed, deliveries 2021+).
US Aid: Security aid to Pakistan partially restored in 2019.

Vocabulary (with Usage)

Bonhomie – friendliness (Synonym: cordiality | Antonym: hostility)
Usage: Trump hailed the “bonhomie” in his meetings with Imran Khan.
Strained – tense (Synonym: troubled | Antonym: smooth)
Usage: US–India ties became strained over trade disputes.
Geopolitics – politics shaped by geography (Synonym: strategy | Antonym: domestic affairs)
Usage: The geopolitics of South Asia hinges on US, India, and Pakistan ties.
Leverage – influence (Synonym: sway | Antonym: weakness)
Usage: Pakistan gained leverage in Afghan negotiations.
Mediation – negotiation by a third party (Synonym: arbitration | Antonym: provocation)
Usage: Trump offered mediation on Kashmir, but India rejected it.

MCQs

Under Trump, India lost trade benefits under which US program?
a) NAFTA
b) GSP ✅
c) WTO reforms
d) MFN
Which defense system deal created tension in US–India ties?
a) Patriot
b) S-400 ✅
c) F-35
d) S-300
Pakistan played a key role in facilitating which peace agreement?
a) Geneva Accord
b) Doha Agreement ✅
c) Tashkent Declaration
d) Camp David Accord
Trump met Imran Khan how many times during his presidency?
a) Once
b) Twice
c) Thrice ✅
d) Four times
Which major issue strained US–India relations besides trade?
a) Kashmir & Human Rights ✅
b) Water disputes
c) China’s CPEC
d) Oil imports
Pakistan’s regained importance for the US was mainly linked to:
a) CPEC
b) Afghan Peace Process ✅
c) Trade with Russia
d) Nuclear Deal