Despite trade tensions, India-US defence ties remain strong, says ex-US official
India-US Trade Tensions Ease, But Defence Ties Stay Rock Solid
As India and the US kick off fresh trade talks after weeks of friction, experts say their defence partnership remains a shining example of strong bilateral relations. In a recent panel at the Hudson Institute in Washington, Vikram Singh, a former top US defence official for South and Southeast Asia, stressed that despite the bumps, India-US defence cooperation hasn’t hit any major roadblocks.
"Even with tough issues like the ones we’re seeing now, communication lines stay open," Singh said. "Both sides keep talking, and there’s no big freeze-out. In fact, our military folks and leaders are super excited about this partnership." He pointed out that while the US slapped 50% tariffs on India—including 25% for buying Russian oil back in August—joint military drills went ahead without a hitch.
Take the latest example: The 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 wrapped up last Sunday in Alaska after two weeks of intense training. This annual India-US army exercise highlights the growing military ties under their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The Indian embassy in Washington called it a "hallmark" of deepening defence collaboration.
Singh also gave a nod to the personal bond between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Trump hasn’t said a single critical word about Modi," he noted. "A crisis can turn into an opportunity fast. There’s no sign from the US Defence or State Departments of pulling back from India-US ties."
China’s Shadow Boosts India-US Defence Alliance
Dr. Sameer Lalwani, a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, pinned the rising China military threat as a major force behind the India-US defence bond. He recalled the 2017 Doklam standoff between India and China, plus Trump’s first-term focus on "Great Power Competition" with Beijing, as key moments that supercharged the relationship.
"The Trump team declared we’re in an era of big-power rivalry, making India a top partner in strategy docs," Lalwani explained. "Add India’s Doklam clash with China, and boom—thanks, China, for pushing us closer!"
In Trump’s second term, things with China got more nuanced. The US hit China with over 50% tariffs but Trump often praises his rapport with President Xi Jinping. Just this week, both sides inked a deal letting TikTok operate in the US. Still, Lalwani sees the bigger picture as adversarial. "Sure, you might snag a trade win, but long-term, US-China relations will stay tense—mostly because of China’s actions."
Singh agreed, adding that even if a US-China economic deal happens, it won’t derail deeper ties with India. "If no deal, rivalry ramps up. If yes, it might cool things a bit, like pre-2015 days. Either way, we’ll keep strengthening alliances and building the India partnership in the region."
These insights come amid renewed India-US trade negotiations, showing how defence cooperation acts as a steady anchor for the overall relationship. With shared concerns over China, experts believe this pillar will only grow stronger.
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