Tensions have escalated in the relationship between the United States and India due to the imposition of significant tariffs on Indian imports by President Donald Trump. However, former senior officials from the Joe Biden administration believe that it is crucial to strengthen these ties, particularly to prevent the US from falling behind China in technological innovation. Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell, in a joint article, highlighted the bipartisan support in the US for the Washington-New Delhi partnership, emphasizing its role in countering China’s assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. They suggest that US allies will need to help India understand Trump’s negotiating tactics. Sullivan and Campbell noted a ‘rapid and regrettable downturn’ in US-Indian relations, citing tariffs, Russian oil purchases, and renewed tensions regarding Pakistan as contributing factors. They stressed the importance of remembering why India has become a vital global partner for the United States. They pointed out that Prime Minister Modi’s recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO summit signal the potential for India to move closer to America’s adversaries if the situation is not addressed. The article also suggests India could face a difficult situation with an aggressive China on its border and strained relations with the US in critical sectors. The authors advocate for a new, robust, and constructive strategy to replace the status quo. The article also referenced past efforts by US presidents to strengthen the partnership with India.
