Cracks Appear in India-U.S. Strategic Partnership

Speedy Summary

• India-U.S. ties,often celebrated as a 21st-century partnership,are facing challenges.
• Optimistic views within the U.S. government highlight long-term strategic cooperation in space, defense, energy, and trade; however, scepticism about the relationship’s trajectory exists among U.S. influencers.
• Key tensions include India’s partnerships with Russia and Iran, which contradict U.S. expectations for strategic alignment.
• The Trump administration has rekindled relations with Pakistan to counter Beijing’s influence and emphasizes concerns over nuclear instability linked to India-Pakistan dynamics.
• India’s assertive foreign policy under PM narendra Modi prioritizes strategic autonomy while engaging in diverse global alliances (BRICS, QUAD).
• Increasing U.S.-India trade friction due to protectionist measures reflects structural issues in economic relations.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The evolving challenges in India-U.S. ties highlight deeper structural divergences rather than momentary political disruptions. while both nations share mutual benefits through collaboration on technology or defense projects, disparities regarding geopolitical alignments (e.g., Russia-Iran for India vs Pakistan-China for the U.S.) introduce tension into key policy areas.

India’s multi-alignment strategy under “Sabka Saath sabka Vikas” seeks broad engagement globally but risks clashing with unilateral expectations from larger powers like the united States-especially when internal nationalist sentiments drive respective foreign policies. Protectionist stances from both sides further complicate opportunities for deeper economic integration.

Even tho India’s rising stature requires leveraging partnerships like those with the U.S., reconciling conflicting strategic interests remains critical for ensuring enduring bilateral relations without compromising its pursuit of autonomy or broader alliances.

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source: The Hindu