In the aftermath of Donald Trump's recent win in the U.S. presidential election, former diplomat Mani Shankar Aiyar voiced deep concerns about the implications of Trump's return to power.
Describing Trump as a "man of doubtful character," Aiyar conveyed disappointment, suggesting that a leader with Trump’s alleged past controversies does not align with the values one might expect from the head of the world's most influential democracy.
Aiyar's statement reflects his unease over Trump's past legal issues, particularly in relation to the hush-money case involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. This high-profile legal case focused on payments allegedly made to Daniels shortly before the 2016 presidential election, aimed at concealing allegations that could have influenced the public’s view of Trump.
Aiyar expressed disappointment that a figure involved in such controversies could hold such a significant office, suggesting it may tarnish the moral standards upheld by American leadership.
Trump’s recent electoral victory marks his return to the presidency after serving from 2016 to 2020. Following his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 election, Trump has now secured his second term in a historic win over his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.
Notably, Trump’s re-election places him alongside Grover Cleveland as only the second president in U.S. history to serve two non-consecutive terms, a rarity last seen over a century ago.
Kamala Harris’s defeat carries additional historical significance, as her victory would have made her the first female U.S. president and the first person of Indian heritage to hold the office.
Aiyar lamented this missed milestone, stating that her campaign reflected hope and promise, despite facing steep societal divides that ultimately contributed to her loss. Aiyar praised Harris for her swift rise and resilience, noting that she had made significant strides in her short tenure as the Democratic nominee.
Aiyar also took the opportunity to scrutinise the relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump, highlighting what he perceives as an unusually close personal rapport.
He suggested that Modi’s association with Trump may reflect poorly on India’s leader, particularly given Trump’s divisive reputation. Aiyar has been outspoken in his views on Modi's political alliances and actions, and his latest comments suggest he views this rapport as a potential liability for India’s own democratic image.
PM Modi's relationship with Trump has indeed been a subject of considerable interest, especially given high-profile events such as the "Howdy Modi" rally in Houston in 2019 and the "Namaste Trump" event in Ahmedabad the following year.
These events symbolised the camaraderie between the two leaders and demonstrated Modi's willingness to publicly engage with Trump. The gatherings attracted large audiences, with tens of thousands of supporters showing up to welcome Trump alongside Modi, symbolising a friendship that some critics found disconcerting.
However, Modi has remained diplomatic in recent years, especially during the current election season, when he avoided any direct engagement with Trump or Harris. During Modi's U.S. visit in September 2024, he reportedly declined a meeting with Trump despite the latter’s public hints at a potential interaction.
This decision reflects a careful balancing act, as Modi seeks to maintain neutrality amid U.S. political shifts, which could affect India’s diplomatic ties regardless of which administration is in power.
Aiyar’s criticism goes beyond just Trump’s personality; it reflects a broader unease over how American leadership might impact global politics, especially given the complexities surrounding international relations.
Aiyar’s remarks echo concerns among some analysts who believe that Trump’s return could signal a shift in American foreign policy, potentially affecting alliances and policies that have been shaped by recent administrations.
While Aiyar’s comments are pointed, they capture sentiments shared by those wary of Trump’s approach to governance and diplomacy. Trump's political style, often marked by controversy and unpredictability, has left an indelible impact on both domestic and global landscapes. His close connections with other global leaders, including Modi, will continue to shape dialogues in the international arena.
The former diplomat also expressed a personal sense of disappointment over Harris's loss, suggesting that her presidency would have symbolised progress and inclusion.
As an Indian-American, Harris’s election would have marked a historic achievement for both women and people of Indian heritage, representing an unprecedented step in U.S. politics.
Aiyar implied that her loss may have reflected deep-seated societal divisions within the U.S., and noted that she had worked diligently to gain the confidence of the American people.
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