Recent developments show a shift in US policy towards India. The US now views India’s rise as a potential threat. Washington has started measures to control India’s growing influence. This contrasts with earlier US administrations that maintained strategic autonomy for India. The change reflects broader geopolitical competition involving China and Russia.
Shift in US Policy Towards India
The US once treated India as a Major Defence Partner. It granted India Strategic Trade Authorization-1 status. This facilitated defence cooperation and trade. The goal was to keep India as a partner against China’s growing power. However, recent US actions, especially under President Trump, adopted a tougher stance. The US imposed sanctions on India for buying Russian oil. It sought to pressure India to isolate Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
India’s Response to US Pressure
India resisted US demands firmly. It did not reduce its Russian oil imports despite threats of tariffs. Indian companies continued procurement based on commercial interests. India avoided direct engagement with US efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. Instead, it strengthened ties with Russia. PM Modi and President Putin held talks emphasising strategic partnership and peaceful conflict resolution. India labelled the US sanctions as unjust but stayed neutral in the conflict.
US Attempts to Influence India via Pakistan
Washington increased engagement with Pakistan, hoping to sway India. This strategy failed as India remained resolute. India’s refusal to yield reflects its desire to maintain sovereignty and avoid being treated as a secondary ally. The US move to cosy up to Pakistan has not altered India’s stance.
Impact on Indo-US Trade and Diplomacy
Trade talks between India and the US are stalled. India resists US demands to open its agricultural and dairy sectors. PM Modi’s public statements support farmers and assert national strength. India is cautious about deepening ties under pressure. The US focus on India as a lever to influence Russia risks long-term damage to bilateral relations.
Geopolitical Implications
India’s growing economy and strategic partnerships with Russia and China challenge US dominance. The recreation of the RIC (Russia-India-China) grouping and BRICS cooperation signal India’s intent to balance global powers. India’s leadership style rejects transactional diplomacy. It aims to extend its own influence rather than shorten others’ lines. This approach may reshape regional and global alliances.
Future Prospects
India’s refusal to bend under US pressure may earn it respect globally. The US risks losing a key strategic partner if it continues coercive policies. The uncertain status of sanctions and tariffs keeps the relationship tense. India’s independent foreign policy stance is likely to persist in the coming years.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the impact of strategic autonomy on India’s foreign policy in the 21st century.
- Analyse the role of energy security in shaping India’s international relations with Russia and the United States.
- Examine the significance of the Russia-India-China (RIC) grouping in the current global geopolitical context and its implications for US foreign policy.
- Point out the challenges and opportunities in Indo-US trade relations amid rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies.
