US-India Relations at Risk: Ex-Officials Sound Alarm Over Tariff Disputes and Strategic Implications

The imposition of substantial tariffs on Indian imports under President Donald Trump is straining the relationship between India and the United States. Former high-ranking officials from the Joe Biden administration express concern over these developments, emphasizing the need to reinforce the partnership for strategic advantage, particularly in the face of technological competition from China. In a joint article, former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell highlighted the critical role the partnership has played in countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. They also suggest that US allies may need to help India understand Trump’s approach. The officials stated that tariffs, along with other issues, have caused a ‘regrettable downturn’ in the relationship and that Washington could lose a key strategic ally if the current path continues. Prime Minister Modi’s recent interactions with Chinese and Russian leaders at the SCO summit underscore the risk of India aligning with America’s rivals. The article cautions that India could be caught between an assertive China on its borders and strained ties with the US in areas such as technology, education, and defense. Therefore, a new, strong, and constructive strategy is required. The article highlights historical efforts to strengthen the US-India partnership.