Archive · 26 Sep 2025
Modi's US Diaspora Strategy: Failed Foreign Policy?
India's Prime Minister Modi tried to use Indian-Americans in the US to help his country.
He thought they would be a strong support system.
However, when the US under Trump put up trade barriers and imposed fees, many Indian-Americans didn't speak up or help.
The article says Modi's strategy didn't work because he misunderstood the power of Indian-Americans, and they did not have the influence he expected.
Some Indian-American politicians and groups are also at odds with Modi's policies, weakening support.
Modi relied on Indian-Americans as a strategic asset and a bridge to power in Washington D.C.
Trump's trade tariffs and visa fees exposed the lack of influence of the Indian diaspora.
Many wealthy Indian-Americans remained silent despite the negative impacts on business.
Democrats show growing impatience with India's illiberal policies.
Modi's strategy failed because of the lack of actual political power among Indian-Americans.
- Who
- The article examines how Narendra Modi's strategy of leveraging the Indian diaspora in the US has failed.
- What
- The article analyzes the impact of Trump's trade policies and the lack of support from Indian-Americans.
- When
- Recent years, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency.
- Where
- United States, Capitol Hill
- Why
- The Modi government's policy premised on diaspora and bipartisan bonds, and why they failed to influence US policy.
Critical View
Modi Government
Diaspora Influence
Critical View
Indian-Americans have limited political influence.
Modi Government
The Indian diaspora are strong brand ambassadors of India and an asset to influence US policy.
Bipartisan Support
Critical View
Democrats are increasingly at odds with India's slide into majoritarian politics.
Modi Government
Successive American presidents, whether Democrat or Republican, touted the importance of the US-India relationship.
- Key Figures
- Narendra Modi, S. Jaishankar, Donald Trump, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Rashida Tlaib
- Location
- United States, India
- Main Issue
- Failure of Modi's foreign policy with Indian diaspora
- Event
- Trade tariffs imposed by Trump and reactions to Modi's policies
- Organizations Mentioned
- Congress, Think Tanks, Hindutva organizations
