Former US National Security Advisor Susan Rice has some strong words about India’s ties with the US under President Donald Trump. Speaking at a Council on Foreign Relations event in Washington this week, Rice called India a “proud and strong nation” that’s now heading “in a different direction” because of Trump’s policies. She sees this shift as a “huge loss” for America.
Rice pointed the finger at Trump’s move to take credit for easing tensions between India and Pakistan. “It seems more about personal pique,” she said. “When the President claimed credit for defusing the India-Pakistan conflict, India didn’t embrace that narrative. As a result, this proud nation is choosing a different path. That’s a huge loss for us.”
But things look brighter now for India-US relations. On Tuesday, Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him a happy 75th birthday. Modi responded warmly on X (formerly Twitter), calling Trump his “friend” and thanking him for the call. “Like you, I am fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights,” Modi wrote. He also backed Trump’s efforts for a peaceful end to the Ukraine conflict.
Trump shared his side on Truth Social, describing the chat as “wonderful.” “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!” he posted.
This positive vibe comes amid trade talks in Delhi. US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met India’s chief trade negotiator Rajesh Agrawal on the same day. Both sides called the discussions “positive,” signaling hope for stronger India-US trade ties.
Still, Rice isn’t convinced about the Trump administration’s India strategy. She warned that it has “pushed” India closer to China and Russia in just weeks. At the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Rice noted, India seemed to cozy up to these countries—despite recent border clashes with China. “India was literally grasping hands with Russia and China, with whom they were firing shots not long ago,” she said.
Echoing similar concerns, US Congresswoman Deborah Ross told in an exclusive interview last week that Modi’s recent China visit was a “smart move.” It sends a clear message to the US: India has options. “I think it was actually a smart move for him, because he showed that he has options,” Ross said.
As India navigates its global partnerships, the world watches how these dynamics play out—especially with key players like Trump, Modi, and rising ties with China and Russia in the mix.
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