US Election 2024 results and Trump’s win have shaken things up, especially with a surprising impact on Indian newspapers. While Trump’s victory may not affect everyone, it has had an undeniable effect on Indian media. Headlines are bouncing with excitement, as if Trump himself had just won an election in India. The energy is overwhelming; you would think he had become India’s president by the way some newspapers are celebrating.
Modi supporters might have even found a new global reason to align with him, as the media extensively covers Modi congratulating “my friend Trump.” Just in June, Modi had called Biden “my friend” too. This peculiar camaraderie stands out as the media fervently publishes pictures of Modi beside Trump and offers insights into their “friendship.”
The Trump’s Victory and Its Impact on Indian Media: An Analysis
The results of the American elections, particularly with Donald Trump’s victory, have left a striking impact on Indian newspapers, even if the political implications may not directly affect India. Headlines in India seem to be more excited about Trump than American publications themselves. Indian media’s enthusiasm has been so intense that it almost feels like Trump has won an election in India itself.
Indian Media’s Obsession with Trump’s Win
From major newspapers to regional dailies, Indian media houses are celebrating Trump’s victory as if it were a national event. This curious enthusiasm raises questions. Is this fascination tied to the ideological leanings of certain media outlets, which view Trump’s victory as a global endorsement of their own ideological stance?
For instance, several newspapers published congratulatory statements from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “my friend Trump,” with similar statements issued earlier for President Joe Biden as well.
However, the apparent eagerness to portray Modi as a close friend of Trump, even overshadowing America’s own coverage, highlights a deeper connection between Indian media and its political leanings. Some newspapers went as far as to brand Trump as “The Don,” featuring extensive headlines that seem almost mythic in their portrayal. Certain outlets even labeled Biden as “a burden” in the aftermath of his loss, displaying a stark bias in editorial tone.
Media and Its Flamboyant Portrayal of Trump
Indian media’s representation of Trump frequently borders on grandiosity. Leading newspapers such as The Times of India dedicated six pages to coverage under the title “I Am Don,” with further references like “Imperial Don.”
The sensationalist headlines could evoke memories of advertising campaigns, often resembling the festive “Diwali Dhamaka” sales ads in style and tone. It gives an impression that these newspapers are produced not in India but in the U.S. — or, at the very least, intended for an Indian audience with a deep fascination for America.
Such coverage is a reminder of how the American influence permeates Indian media culture. The media’s extensive focus on the U.S. election resembles local election reporting, while elections in neighboring states within India, such as Jharkhand or Maharashtra, often receive less attention. This stark contrast in coverage underscores America’s psychological hold on Indian media.
Source : TIMES OF INDIA
A Shift in Indian Journalism and Media Culture duirng Trump’s Victory
Indian journalism has seen a significant shift over the last decade, with media outlets leaning heavily into hyper-nationalist and pro-Hindu narratives. Ironically, these same publications frequently argue for an end to colonial mindsets. However, their eagerness to follow American narratives, especially when discussing Trump, points to a residual colonial influence that has yet to be completely dismantled.
American media like The New York Times and The Washington Post have been known to critique Trump robustly. However, Indian newspapers, in their support for “My Friend Trump,” often omit these critical perspectives.
While American comedians openly mock Trump, such an approach seems unthinkable in the Indian context, where similar satire on Indian leaders rarely surfaces. Moreover, reputable publications like ProPublica — awarded the Pulitzer Prize multiple times — even outlined their intent to scrutinize Trump’s policies post-election, emphasizing the questions that Indian media could ask regarding the effects of American foreign policy on India.
Press Freedom and Political Narratives
During Trump’s previous term, issues such as press freedom and media censorship were significant talking points, especially given his tendency to brand critical news outlets as “fake news.” Trump also reportedly made remarks threatening retaliation against opposing media voices if he won. Indian newspapers, however, have rarely highlighted these statements in their Trump coverage.
Rather than examining Trump’s stance on press freedom, Indian media has largely sidestepped the question. While some publications focus on Trump’s narrative of “fake news,” they often overlook his previous threats against free speech. This selective silence reflects an underlying change in priorities: Indian media appears more invested in financial gains and alliances than in defending journalistic integrity.
America’s Global Influence and Media’s Role
Indian media’s fascination with American elections illustrates the depth of America’s global influence, especially on emerging democracies. American media’s substantial reach and the allure of the American dream seem to have left a permanent mark on India’s media landscape. While America’s role as a global superpower may be shifting, its cultural influence on Indian media remains undeniable.
This fascination is ironic, as the same outlets frequently call for an end to colonial mindsets. The celebration of Trump’s victory across Indian newspapers suggests that America remains the primary point of reference for Indian media, as demonstrated by the lack of similar coverage for BRICS or other Global South entities.
The Impact of Trump’s Policies on India
The rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration have previously impacted India, including the removal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) status, which imposed tariffs on certain Indian goods. Indian newspapers, however, often neglected to emphasize these less favorable aspects of U.S.-India relations. This pattern continued with other policies, such as U.S. sanctions on Iran, which led India to halt its oil imports from the country.
Additionally, the issue of visa regulations has been a topic of concern, as changes could affect the futures of Indian professionals abroad. Trump’s America First policies and visa restrictions may impact Indian professionals, a point that has yet to be fully examined in Indian media.
American Influence on Indian Newsrooms
The overall impact of American elections on Indian newsrooms reveals more than just a fascination with Trump. It reflects the sway that American pop culture and political ideologies hold over Indian media narratives. Indian newspapers, influenced by the style of the U.S. media, continue to engage in sensationalism and at times mimic American journalistic tropes rather than presenting balanced, locally relevant perspectives.
In Summary: A Need for Balanced Reporting
Indian media’s focus on Trump and his election reflects a broader trend of Americanization in Indian journalism. This trend not only shapes the narratives within India but also suggests a shifting role of the media from watchdog to participant in political drama. Indian journalism faces a critical need for balanced reporting — focusing equally on domestic issues and global events.
With democracy’s future at stake, it’s essential to maintain a healthy media environment that remains vigilant, inquisitive, and dedicated to the truth. For India, a nation often celebrated for its democratic values, achieving this ideal is crucial as it navigates its relationship with global powerhouses.