Donald Trump’s Republican Party has suffered a major setback in America’s midterm elections. The Democratic Party has secured majority in both houses of Congress. This result is not only being seen as a change in the balance of power in America’s internal politics, but it can also have an impact on America’s foreign policy. Questions and monitoring may now increase on the decisions of the Trump administration, especially regarding relations with India and Pakistan.
The long war with Iran, rising inflation and economic pressure on the common people are being counted among the main reasons for the defeat of the Republican Party. However, the picture is slightly different in the case of India and Pakistan. On one hand, Trump showed strictness on India related to trade tariffs and visas, while on the other hand he gave importance to Pakistan’s military leadership and business proposals there. Not only this, whenever the Trump administration got a chance, it tried to degrade India in comparison to Pakistan. Now the question is whether the new Congress will pave the way for change in this policy or will Trump continue his strategy as before?
Why did Trump suffer a setback in the midterm elections?
According to the US election results, Democrats have secured majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In this way, after the new Congress takes over in 2027, Trump will have to face opposition in both the houses. This will be a big political challenge for the last two years of his second term.
Not only foreign policy but also the domestic economy was a major factor in the results of the US mid-term elections. The increase in energy prices and inflation due to the war with Iran increased the resentment of American voters. In such a situation, it would not be right to say that India-Pakistan policy alone became the reason for their defeat, but political surveillance may increase on this policy also.
Why does America give more importance to Pakistan than India?
To understand America’s attitude towards India and Pakistan, it is important to look at the different strategic usefulness of both the countries. India is a big market for America, a technological partner and an important country to balance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Defense cooperation between the two countries has also increased continuously. In October 2025, both had signed a 10-year defense cooperation agreement.
Despite this, it is not easy for America to ignore Pakistan. Pakistan’s geographical location makes it important in matters related to West Asia, Afghanistan and Iran. The army there also has considerable influence in regional security matters. Especially during the conflict with Iran, Pakistan played a role in talks between America and Iran. Trump’s personal relationship with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir also became a reason for this closeness. Trump has even called him his favorite field marshal.
That is, America’s association with Pakistan is not decided on the basis of its economic or strategic strength compared to India, but also on the basis of certain special security and diplomatic needs. It would not be right to consider this as a direct indication of India’s diminishing importance.
Will Trump’s business deals with Pakistan come under scrutiny?
Pakistan has tried to increase economic and defense cooperation with America during the Trump administration. There are also some agreements in this which are related to companies related to the Trump family or people close to it.
In January 2026, Pakistan had signed a memorandum of understanding with SC Financial Technologies, a subsidiary of World Liberty Financial, a crypto company associated with the Trump family. Its objective was to explore the possibilities of cross-border payments through digital currency USD1.
Similarly, in September 2026, American drone company Powers signed an agreement with Pakistan Army. It also mentions the initial supply of unmanned aerial systems. Powers was proposed to be merged with a company in which Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr. have investments. However, company officials had said that this investment did not affect the agreement with Pakistan.
Apart from this, a cooperation agreement was also signed between Pakistan and America regarding Roosevelt Hotel in New York. In February 2026, both countries had prepared a framework for the operation, renovation and redevelopment of the hotel. American special envoy Steve Witkoff played a role in this.
Democrats have indicated an investigation into the Trump family’s business interests and administration decisions. In such a situation, questions may be raised in Congress on these agreements. However, mere initiation of investigation does not prove wrongdoing in a deal. For this, documents and solid evidence will be necessary.
Will India get relief in terms of trade deals and tariffs?
The biggest question for India is America’s trade policy. The Trump administration also put pressure on trade agreements by increasing tariffs on Indian products. In February 2026, an interim trade agreement was made between the two countries, under which it was announced that US duty on most Indian products would be reduced from 50 percent to 18 percent. But later the conversation got stuck again. Issues like India’s oil purchase from Russia and access to the American market remained a cause of controversy.
Apart from this, the US administration also started an investigation against India under Section 301 of the Trade Act. Its purpose is to find out whether other countries including India are harming American industries by producing more industrial production than necessary. In such a situation, the debate about the impact of tariffs and the loss on American companies may increase in the Congress controlled by Democrats.
This may give India some additional scope in negotiations. However, a change in control of Congress will not automatically end Trump’s tariffs. The President will still have some executive powers.
Will Trump’s strictness on H-1B visas reduce?
The second big issue for India is H-1B visa. Indians have a large share in foreign skilled professionals working in America. The Trump administration had imposed a condition of payment of $1 lakh for some H-1B workers coming from outside the US in September 2025. In September 2026, this arrangement was extended for one more year. This may affect Indian technical professionals and the companies that employ them.
Democratic lawmakers have raised questions about the economic effects of such strictness. He argues that greater restrictions on foreign skilled workers could also harm American technology companies. Now he will get more opportunity to raise this issue in Congress. However, it would be too early to expect immediate changes in the visa policy, as the powers to implement it rest with the presidential administration and related federal agencies.
Will Trump now leave aside Pakistan and give priority to India?
After the results of mid-term elections, it is natural to raise the question whether Trump will change his Pakistan policy? At present there is no clear indication that America is going to completely limit its relations with Pakistan. Pakistan’s role is still useful for America in matters related to talks with Iran, regional security and terrorism.
On the other hand, America has its own major interests in trade, defence, technology and cooperation with India in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, it would not be right to see relations with both the countries only as alternatives to each other.
Most importantly, Democrats will now have the power to investigate the Trump administration’s decisions, hold hearings, influence the budget, and obstruct the law-making process. But complete control of foreign policy will not come into their hands. Trump will remain President and will be able to use powers like veto.
Therefore, the results of the midterm elections for India may not mean an immediate end to Trump’s Pakistan policy, but increased monitoring of American decisions and a new opportunity for India to negotiate for its interests.