In the wake of Donald Trump’s surprise victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the potential implications of globalisation, sharing his perspective during a briefing with CEOs and business leaders in Sydney.

Jaishankar outlined four key ways in which Trump’s re-election could impact the global order and India’s strategic positioning:

1. Acceleration of Supply Chain Shifts: Jaishankar emphasized that the reordering of global supply chains, already in motion, is likely to gain momentum under Trump’s policies. He noted that while some disruptions could occur, India views this as an opportunity to strengthen its manufacturing sector, especially after missing out on earlier industrial booms in the 1990s and 2000s.
2. Geopolitical Hedging: As the U.S. recalibrates its foreign policy, many nations, including India, will likely pursue new global relationships to maintain stability. Jaishankar highlighted that this dynamic would lead to more countries seeking strategic alliances to balance geopolitical risks.
3. Digital Revolution: In the era of digital transformation, Jaishankar pointed out that trust in digital platforms—particularly payment systems—will become more critical. As technology continues to advance, scrutiny of digital products and services will intensify, choosing platforms a key issue for nations and businesses.
4. Global Mobility: Addressing the demographic challenges faced by many countries, Jaishankar predicted that global workforce mobility would become increasingly vital. As economies with high demand for skilled workers encounter talent shortages, Jaishankar suggested that there will be a push toward more integrated global workplaces, with countries, including the U.S. under Trump, likely to adopt policies that prioritize economically driven immigration.

In conclusion, Jaishankar framed the shifting global landscape as a moment for India to seize new opportunities, particularly in manufacturing, digital innovation, and talent mobility, even as global geopolitics evolves under Trump’s leadership.