During their meeting in Washington, US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi focused on trade and defense deals, avoiding discussions on human rights and minority issues in their public remarks.
Despite longstanding concerns about India’s human rights record, Washington has increasingly prioritized strategic interests, particularly in countering China’s influence. Analysts suggest this trend will continue if Trump secures a second term. Neither leader addressed rights violations in their formal statements or online communications.
“Trump’s foreign policy is firmly interest-driven, leaving little room for human rights considerations,” said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. He noted that Trump is unlikely to pressure India on rights issues.
Although former President Joe Biden also maintained strong ties with India, his administration, particularly Secretary of State Antony Blinken, occasionally criticized abuses against minorities. US State Department reports have highlighted human rights and religious freedom violations in India, but New Delhi has dismissed them as “deeply biased.”
Chietigj Bajpaee, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, described Trump and Modi as “strongman” leaders with aligned worldviews. Kugelman noted that their similar stances on human rights further solidify their rapport.
Over the years, rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned Modi’s policies, citing increased hate speech, anti-conversion laws, a religion-based citizenship law the UN calls “fundamentally discriminatory,” the revocation of Kashmir’s special status, and the demolition of Muslim-owned properties. Modi, however, denies any discrimination, emphasizing that his policies, including food subsidies and electrification projects, benefit all citizens.
Meanwhile, Trump has focused on curbing irregular immigration, whereas India seeks US visas for skilled professionals. Indians make up a significant portion of H-1B visa recipients, a program Trump supports.
India’s alleged targeting of Sikh separatists abroad has also strained relations, with a former Indian intelligence officer charged in a foiled US plot. However, analysts suggest Trump is unlikely to press India on the issue given his nationalist stance.
