James C. Lawler, a distinguished former CIA officer and ex-chief of the agency’s Counter-Proliferation Division, has advocated for a more substantial strategic alliance between the United States and India. Lawler articulated that the core interests of both nations are largely compatible, urging a move past historical hesitations that have characterized their relationship.
During an interview, Lawler shared his persistent confusion over why the US and India have never been ‘true friends’ despite abundant common ground. He emphasized the benefits of a strengthened bond, noting the significant contributions of people of Indian origin to America and the complementary economic dynamics. Lawler stated, ‘Most of our interests are convergent.’
He stressed that shared democratic values and a mutual embrace of capitalist economic policies should drive closer cooperation. Lawler suggested that the two countries, both democracies with growing economies, could achieve far more by working together rather than maintaining a distant stance. He also expressed a personal wish to visit India.
The former intelligence official’s remarks coincide with fluctuations in the bilateral relationship, including past trade disputes and disagreements over India’s energy sources. Lawler suggested that outdated Cold War-era thinking, which may have influenced past US hesitancy towards India, needs to be discarded. He specifically mentioned that supplying India with more advanced technology and leveraging its recent decisions to reduce Russian oil purchases could pave the way for enhanced collaboration. Addressing shared geopolitical challenges, particularly the rise of China, Lawler asserted that a united front is essential for mutual strength and security.