Indian Support for Donald Trump Declines Amid Trade Tensions
The Government of India and Indian-American voters are distancing themselves from Donald Trump over punitive tariffs, immigration crackdowns, and stalled trade negotiations.
Support for Donald Trump is declining among the Government of India and Indian-American voters ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. A survey by AAPI Data and the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote shows 66% of Indian-American respondents now favor Democratic candidates for the House and Senate, reversing a trend of rising support seen between 2020 and 2024.
Bilateral relations have deteriorated as New Delhi criticizes the Trump administration for an immigration crackdown involving the deportation of undocumented Indian immigrants and an insensitive approach to terrorism concerns. Trade friction has intensified over punitive tariffs and U.S. pressure regarding India's purchase of Russian oil. While U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains that tariffs are not intended to punish India, Indian officials describe the administration's trade policies as self-centered.
Diplomatic tensions are compounded by stalled trade negotiations. Minister of Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman noted that talks have reached a plateau where further concessions are difficult. Indian officials suggest that a Democratic-led Congress following the midterms could moderate the current administration's approach.
