India optimistic about Trump presidency, worried about trade, tariffs

FILE - Then-U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Feb. 25, 2020. Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik made this sculpture depicting U.S. President-elect Donald Trump after he won the U.S. presidential election, in Puri, India, on Nov. 6, 2024.

As India looks ahead to President-elect Donald Trump taking charge in Washington, there is optimism the strategic relationship built by the two countries in recent years will strengthen. India also hopes to benefit if Trump takes a less confrontational approach to Russia, say analysts.