India’s U.S. dilemma as ties turn taxing, benefits shrink
This article examines India's shifting geopolitical relationship with the United States, noting that the U.S. 'America First' policy is creating friction regarding trade, technology exports, and regional security. It argues that the traditional benefits of aligning with U.S. interests are diminishing for partners like India.
Why it matters
It highlights the evolving nature of international alliances and the potential for India to reassess its strategic autonomy in a changing global order.
Countries that partnered with the United States over the decades subordinated their strategic autonomy, and even national sovereignty, for the benefits that came with it. In its America First era under Donald J. Trump, partners of the U.S. are being asked to bend according to U.S. priorities, but not necessarily with any accompanying benefits. For India, this approach manifested in two developments in quick succession in recent days: the U.S. extended export controls on AI technologies, which will only expand further in the coming days; and it made clear that it cared little for Indian concerns while waging its arbitrary war on Iran along with Israel. And this came after a series of American moves that has had an impact on India’s oil imports.
The article uses critical framing regarding U.S. foreign policy and emphasizes the erosion of traditional diplomatic benefits, reflecting a skeptical view of American hegemony.
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