The upcoming US presidential election brings up questions about Donald Trumpʼs possible impact on South-Asian relations. Despite wide-spread predictions of major shifts many experts think the regions policy will stay mostly the same
The Indo-Pacific strategy (which became central during Trumps first term) remains a key part of US foreign policy in Asia. This approach — focused on building strong regional partnerships and dealing with Chinaʼs growing influence — got even stronger under Bidenʼs leadership‚ though he made some changes to it
The great-power competition with China would stay a top priority if Trump returns to office: however some bi-lateral relationships might change. His administration would likely keep working with South-Asian partners but climate-related cooperation could get less attention. The focus might shift more towards trade deals and military partnerships (which were always Trumps preferred way of doing international politics)
Current US policy in the region works through many different channels: diplomatic meetings defense agreements and economic partnerships. Most regional experts think these core elements wont change much even with new leadership — the basic framework that drives US interests in South-Asia stays relevant no matter whos in charge