Trump and Modi Govern Differently Because Their Political Systems Differ

By Admin

14 Jun, 2025

The global stage has often witnessed comparisons between the leadership styles of world leaders, and among the most talked-about is the contrast between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite leading two of the largest democracies, Trump and Modi govern in vastly different ways and the key lies in the fundamental differences in the political systems, cultural ethos, and historical contexts of their respective nations.

Diverging Governance Models: Presidential vs. Parliamentary Systems

At the heart of the difference lies the governing framework itself. The United States follows a presidential system, where the president serves as both the head of state and government. India, in contrast, operates under a parliamentary system, where the executive is drawn from the legislature, and governance is rooted in consensus-building.

Trump’s administration could swiftly enact changes via executive orders, signing 26 such orders on the very first day of his second term. These orders bypass lengthy legislative debates, offering speed and visibility but also face easy repeal by courts or succeeding governments. This flexibility fuels rapid policy swings with changes in leadership.

India’s process is more intricate and deliberate. Policies under Modi’s government are passed through multi-party deliberations and coalition consensus, making them harder to reverse. Though slower, this process ensures stability and continuity, reflecting the complex and diverse Indian society.

Federalism: Two Models, Two Realities

Another key contrast is how federalism plays out in both countries.

In the U.S., states wield strong autonomy. A federal directive by the president isn’t automatically applicable at the state level. For example, Trump’s declaration recognizing only two genders had no bearing in states like California, which upheld broader gender rights.

India practices cooperative federalism, where powers are constitutionally divided. While states enjoy autonomy in areas like agriculture and education, the central government holds authority over crucial subjects like defense and finance, ensuring national uniformity while respecting regional diversity.

The Cultures Behind the Politics

To understand governance, one must look beyond constitutions into the soul of the nations.

The U.S. is a land of settlers and migrants, driven by individualism, liberty, and capitalism. Over the last four centuries, it has risen to global dominance through rapid innovation and assertive foreign policy. It tends to perceive the world in binaries ally or enemy, profit or loss, democracy or dictatorship.

India, on the other hand, is the cradle of one of the oldest civilizations, over 10,000 years old, shaped by spiritual resilience, layered histories, and complex social dynamics. The Indian psyche has evolved through colonial subjugation, invasions, and internal diversity, making patience, ethical governance, and incremental change its hallmark.

India’s governance is akin to a banyan tree slow-growing, deep-rooted, and resilient. Unlike the abrupt policy swings of Western democracies, India's model is gradual, inclusive, and enduring.

Achievements of the Modi Government

Much of the criticism of Modi particularly when compared to the swift actions of leaders like Trump comes from armchair experts drawing inspiration more from Netflix than from the ground realities of Indian politics. Yet Modi’s tenure has witnessed transformative achievements, accomplished within the framework of parliamentary democracy.

• Ram Mandir Construction: After centuries of conflict, the temple in Ayodhya was built through legal and democratic means.
  
  

• Poverty Alleviation: As per Home Minister Amit Shah, 600 million Indians received basic amenities, and 250 million were lifted out of poverty, a monumental shift in global development narratives.
  
  

• Geopolitical and Emotional Integration: The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir brought the region into national mainstream politics. Likewise, Modi’s attention to the Northeast region improved connectivity, curbed insurgency, and fostered long-overdue development.
  
  

• Policy Stability: India has seen consistent, clear-headed policymaking, garnering international respect and investment.
  
  

Two Paths, One Purpose

As Alexis de Tocqueville once observed, “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” The U.S. has excelled in rapid execution, but often at the cost of deep inclusivity and lasting impact. India, while moving slowly, builds on procedural integrity and societal consensus.

While America races to the finish line, India walks steadily with purpose.

Both Trump and Modi symbolize the aspirations and challenges of their nations. Their methods may differ, but their goals national strength, global relevance, and societal transformation are aligned. Understanding these structural and philosophical differences helps not only in comparing governance styles but also in appreciating the unique journeys of both democracies.

In a world searching for better models of governance, the U.S. and India offer two distinct, instructive paths one marked by speed and strength, the other by resilience and rootedness.