In his first public appearance since taking office, India’s new Vice President CP Radhakrishnan expressed optimism about enhancing India-US relations despite significant trade challenges arising from the Trump administration’s recent tariff increases. At a book launch event on Monday, Radhakrishnan underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exceptional diplomatic ties with global leaders as a key resource for navigating intricate international relations. He noted that even with the US imposing a considerable 50% import tax on Indian products, President Trump has consistently recognized his friendship with Modi. Radhakrishnan highlighted that Trump has not publicly opposed the Indian Prime Minister, indicating that their relationship remains strong despite policy differences.
During the event, where he unveiled four collections of PM Modi’s selected speeches centered around the theme of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (inclusive development) for the 2022-2024 period, Radhakrishnan elaborated on Modi’s remarkable diplomatic skills. He remarked that Modi sustains solid personal connections with various global leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite the complex political differences between their countries. Radhakrishnan described Modi’s ability to foster these relationships across ideological and geopolitical divides as potentially game-changing for international relations. He suggested that Modi’s leadership approach, motivated by a genuine commitment to serve humanity without personal gains, could achieve outcomes that may seem unattainable within traditional diplomatic frameworks.
Radhakrishnan’s remarks come at a particularly difficult time for India-US relations, as the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies have significant repercussions for Indian businesses and workers. The recent implementation of a hefty $100,000 fee for H-1B visas, which primarily affects Indian professionals in American tech sectors, has added further strain to bilateral relations. The book launch also provided insights into Modi’s leadership philosophy and global governance approach. Radhakrishnan explained that the compiled speeches offer valuable insights into the Prime Minister’s mindset and his profound understanding of public sentiment, which are essential for effective leadership.
Discussing India’s global ambitions, the Vice President articulated the nation’s vision of becoming a world power, motivated not by dominance but by the principle of universal welfare. He emphasized that India’s aspiration for greater international influence is rooted in a commitment to advancing humanity as a whole, rather than imposing its will on others. The event also included comments from other senior officials who commended Modi’s accomplishments. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh pointed out that India’s historical reliance on other nations poses a significant challenge that requires Modi’s visionary leadership to overcome through the ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw highlighted specific achievements under Modi’s leadership, mentioning that India now has more toilet facilities than Japan’s total population, provides uninterrupted food distribution to 800 million people, and runs the world’s largest food security program. Radhakrishnan, who became India’s 15th Vice President after defeating opposition candidate B Sudershan Reddy on September 9 and taking the oath of office on September 12, continues a tradition set by his predecessors M Venkaiah Naidu and Jagdeep Dhankhar of releasing books about the Prime Minister during their terms. His predecessor Dhankhar had resigned mid-term in July due to health issues.
The RSS-BJP veteran from Tamil Nadu’s comments reflect the government’s strategy of using personal diplomatic relationships to navigate increasingly complicated international trade and political challenges. His positive outlook suggests that, despite formal policy disagreements between countries, personal connections among leaders can serve as vital channels for dialogue and potentially resolving conflicts. The focus on Modi’s global friendships is particularly relevant as India confronts various international challenges, from trade disputes with the United States to ongoing border tensions with China and the intricate dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Radhakrishnan’s viewpoint implies that the government regards these personal diplomatic relationships as crucial assets for safeguarding India’s interests while advancing its global aspirations.
His statements highlight the Indian leadership’s belief that Modi’s unique standing in international relations, marked by personal rapport with leaders across different political systems and ideologies, offers India strategic advantages in pursuing its development objectives and maintaining its sovereignty in an increasingly multipolar world.