In its first reaction to the US midterm election results, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) on Tuesday chose to emphasise the bipartisan nature of relations between the two countries while steering clear of commenting on the political outcome.The response comes against the backdrop of a significant political setback for US president Donald Trump, whose Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections.Democrats secured a sweeping victory, winning control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, in a result that is expected to constrain Trump’s legislative agenda during the final two years of his presidency.Responding to a question on the midterm results, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the elections were an internal matter of the United States and declined to offer any specific assessment.“It is an internal matter of the United States. I have no specific comment on them beyond underlining that India and the United States’ relationship enjoys bipartisan support in the United States. We continue to work to further strengthen our comprehensive global strategic partnership that we share with the US,” Jaiswal said.The MEA said New Delhi remained committed to strengthening its comprehensive global strategic partnership with Washington, signalling that it expects ties to remain a priority irrespective of which party gains political ground in the US Congress. For India, the outcome presents both opportunities and uncertainties.The two countries have witnessed considerable turbulence in their relationship under Trump’s second presidency, with disagreements over trade tariffs, India’s purchases of Russian oil, immigration restrictions and Washington’s approach towards Pakistan emerging as major irritants.The Democratic takeover of Congress could provide New Delhi with additional avenues to engage with lawmakers who have traditionally supported stronger India-US cooperation. It could also increase scrutiny of the Trump administration’s policies, including its approach to trade negotiations and foreign relations. However, a Democrat-controlled Congress does not necessarily translate into an immediate change in Washington’s policy towards India.
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The US president retains considerable authority over foreign policy and trade negotiations, meaning Trump will continue to play a central role in determining the trajectory of bilateral relations. At the same time, congressional oversight could influence decisions involving defence cooperation, technology transfers, immigration and trade.