Amid tariff concerns, why Tulsi Gabbard's exposition of 'America first policy' should calm frayed nerves in Delhi

PM Modi with Tulsi Gabbard.

During her on-going trip to India, US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, in more than one occasion successfully conveyed how the enduring relationship between India and United States is expected to strengthen further under US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to multiple broadcasters, in the wake of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, Gabbard dismissed the wide-ranging effect on bilateral trade due to setting in of reciprocal tariff regime from April 2.

She clearly stated that conditions are near-ideal for New Delhi and Washington to deepen business ties with President Donald Trump assuming office in early January. Allaying fears in India, she categorically stated that India and US have established a direct dialogue at highest levels to discuss the impact of Trump's India-specific tariff regime.

Gabbard's exposition of 'America first policy'

Addressing a session in Raisina Diagolue, Gabbard eloquently laid out the details of Trump's "America First" policy.  She said “America first” isn’t about isolationism and the India-US partnership will grow and strengthen as the two sides engage within the Quad, tackle challenges in the Indo-Pacific, and work on security issues. Gabbard said just like Trump's 'America First' policy, PM Modi is committed to the 'India First' approach. It should not be misunderstood that 'America First' means America alone, observed Gabbard.

Speaking on PM Modi's visit to Washington last month to meet Trump, she said the meet was a “reconnection of two old friends” who continued to build their ties even when Trump was not in office. “Obviously, that’s a personal friendship, but it’s one that is indicative of their approach to leadership and their priorities of listening to the needs of their respective people, setting policy and taking action towards serving their best interests," underlined Gabbard.

Reading between the lines

As New Delhi continues to be in a wait-and-watch mode with just a few days remaining before Trump's reciprocal tariff kicks in, Gabbard's address had a reassuring message. Gabbard's exposition on 'America First' Policy is surely expected to calm a few frayed nerves in Delhi's corridors of power. Gabbard emphasised that she expects the India-US partnership, which has been nurtured through bipartisan support in America, to grow under Trump’s leadership. Trump’s focus on the interests of Americans should not imply he is a president who doesn’t understand the importance of relationships with other countries and working together on shared interests.

“The partnership between our two countries has been strong for decades and under the leadership of two great leaders and two great friends, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, and rooted in our shared values of peace and freedom, security and prosperity, I’m confident that this partnership and friendship between our two nations and our leaders will continue to grow and strengthen,” she remarked.

Additionally, responding to a question on how Trump's tariff regime is expected to hit India, Gabbard said: "What I have heard from the Indian government officials that I've spoken to over the last few days, there is an opportunity here to see. There is more potential for strengthening our economic relationship and I'm glad to see that they're looking at it in a more positive light than just one that is focused in a negative way when we look at tariffs. Prime Minister Modi is looking out for what is in the best interest of India's economy and the opportunities available to the people of India. Similarly, President Trump is doing the same for the United States, our economic interests and the interests of the American people."

Why Delhi is jittery about Trump's tariff regime

On numerous occasions since assuming office, Trump has criticised India’s trade policies, calling it a "very high tariff nation" and warning that reciprocal tariffs will come into effect on April 2. India is expected to be hit particularly hard by these measures due to its high tariffs compared to the US. Trump, known for his strong stance on trade, has repeatedly accused New Delhi of imposing unfair trade barriers that hurt American businesses. He has previously called India the "biggest tariff abuser" and the "tariff king."

In recent weeks, Modi’s government has taken several steps to ease trade tensions with Washington. India has reduced tariffs on a range of products, including high-end motorcycles and whiskey, and has committed to increasing imports of US energy and defence equipments.