Walter Russell Mead, a top scholar on U.S. foreign policy and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, has said that closer India‑U.S. ties are a key move to counter China in the short run and to build a lasting defense partnership for the future.
In a Wall Street Journal article called “India still wants to work with Trump,” Mead argued that the Trump administration still has the opportunity to raise U.S.–India relations to new heights, even after recent tensions. He noted that joining forces in technology and defense with India, Israel, and Japan can help the United States beat China’s growing influence.
Mead pointed out that the U.S. and India share many interests in the Indo‑Pacific. He warned that China’s outreach to countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka threatens both India and the United States.
He also said that the current friendly tone between the Trump administration and Pakistan is unlikely to change. “Pakistan has a troubling record on nuclear proliferation and terrorism,” Mead explained. “In the Cold War they were an ally, but now they side with Beijing and risk spreading nuclear weapons and terror.”
In early October, Mead led a U.S. delegation to India. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. After the visits, Modi posted on X, saying he valued the “thought‑leaders and business leaders” and that they would help strengthen India‑U.S. ties for global peace, progress, and prosperity.
Mead wrote that many Indians now look forward to U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor’s work in India. He said a consistent message from leaders across politics and business was that India wants to keep building its partnership with the United States.
The India‑U.S. relationship has settled after months of uncertainty, and trade negotiations are underway to conclude the first part of a new agreement soon.
Mead warned that failing to resolve the remaining issues in India‑U.S. relations would leave a sour mark on the Trump presidency. “Improving U.S.-India ties would be one of the president’s most important achievements,” he said. “If it doesn’t happen, it will scar his record and make life harder for his successors.”
Source: ianslive
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