Sometime after the clock strikes midnight in India, Donald Trump will be sworn in as President of the United States of America. His address, to be made on Monday afternoon (Washington time), as he assumes the most powerful position in the world, is expected to focus on “unity in strength,” which will emphasize not the global order’s unity but rather America’s political and economic unity.

That is the basis of Donald Trump’s international strategy—American strength encapsulated in his slogan “America First.” Those who believe that the new American President will be guided in dealings with New Delhi by a special chemistry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, simply because he has repeatedly referred to him as his “dear friend,” should think again.

Americans have notoriously been inward-looking throughout their history. In the mid-20th century, their victories in Asia and Europe during a world war pivoted them to become the world’s most important power. They assumed this role by doing what they excel at in other matters—being transactional.

From acquiring territory to conducting trade, Americans have perfected a transactional approach, including in diplomacy. Mr. Trump is no exception to this rule.

During his previous presidency, Mr. Trump did not hesitate to slap tariffs on Indian exports or revoke preferential........

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