Trump's leadership welcomed by India, envoy says Modi govt 'prepared to work closely'

India is prepared to work closely with US President-elect Donald Trump and his administration, once they assume office, according to India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish.

Speaking at Columbia University on Tuesday, Harish emphasized the bipartisan support for India-US relations in the United States and India’s readiness to engage with the incoming government.

“We respect the choice of the American citizens. We deal with all governments. I think the relationship with India enjoys bipartisan consensus amongst both parties,” Harish said during an interactive session.


Harish was responding to a question on India’s reaction to Trump’s victory in the recently concluded US presidential elections, where he defeated Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris to become the 47th President of the United States.

Reflecting on India’s cooperation with the US under Trump’s previous administration, Harish noted, “India has had very close cooperation and relationship when President Trump was there in his first tenure. We look forward to closely engaging with the President and his new administration once they take over.”

The ambassador was addressing an event 'Responding to Key Global Challenges: The India Way' at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). The discussion, co-sponsored by the MPA Global Leadership Programme and the International Organisation and UN Studies Programme, was attended by students, faculty, and policy experts.

Following Trump’s election victory, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations, calling it a “historic election victory.” In a social media post, Modi expressed optimism about strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.

“As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

India and the US are expected to maintain and enhance their strategic partnership under Trump’s leadership, focusing on areas such as global security, economic collaboration, and shared democratic values.