There are many ways Trump's impeachment could affect India — but there's no need to get anxious just yet

• US President Donald Trump’s impeachment from office marks the end of a successful era of bilateral relations between him and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Despite the pleasant relations between Trump and Modi, a lot of unresolved issues are still left on the table — like the impending restriction of H1-B visas or bilateral trade deals.
• India’s relations with the US will be determined by whether or not the next administration in power takes a stronger, or lighter, stance on foreign policy.

The impeachment of US President Donald Trump may seem like an awkward change of course after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s triumphant visit to the US in September. Modi received a warm welcomes at one of Houston’s largest football stadiums at the ‘Howdy Modi’ event hosted by Trump. This time he was told that there’s an impending impeachment vote.

Soon after, the $4 — a move that the Senate still has to vote on in order to make official — is a significant milestone in what experts see as a very successful Modi-Trump era.


While it marks the beginning of an uncertain phase — strategic ties between two nations do not change course as abruptly. As US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the $4, all the “noise and silliness” in Washington doesn’t affect the defence, science and technology cooperation between the two nations.

If Trump is eventually relieved of his duties, some factors could play in India’s favour — like fewer H1-B visa applications rejections, faster progress in US-China trade talks, and lower pricing pressure on Indian drug makers in the US.



A stronger dollar, in particular, would help Indian exporters like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The uptake in global trade and therefore, faster economic growth that will help all emerging economies including India.

But, things could also sideways since the candidates ready to take his place — including democrats like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Amy Klobuchar and Michael Bennet — have taken a protectionist stance on trade and foreign policy.

Here’s what could change for India now that Trump is no longer the US President: