Recent statements from a U.S. Secretary have highlighted growing unease within the American administration regarding India's defense and diplomatic policies, particularly its continued reliance on Russian arms and its active role in the BRICS economic bloc. This perceived divergence from U.S. interests has sparked concerns about the strength and trajectory of the U.S.-India relationship, a partnership Washington has long considered crucial for its strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The core of the issue lies in India's long-standing defense relationship with Russia. For decades, Moscow has been a primary supplier of military equipment to India, a legacy that continues despite increasing pressure from the U.S. to shift towards American-made platforms. U.S. officials argue that this dependence on Russian arms not only sustains Moscow's defense industry but also potentially hinders interoperability between the Indian and U.S. militaries, a key factor in their growing defense cooperation. The U.S. has been actively promoting its own defense industry as an alternative, even offering advanced military hardware like F-35 fighter jets.
However, India has been reluctant to completely sever its ties with Russia, citing factors such as cost-effectiveness, the reliability of Russian equipment, and the established logistical infrastructure for maintaining these systems. Furthermore, India views its relationship with Russia as an essential component of its "multi-aligned" foreign policy, which seeks to maintain strategic autonomy by diversifying its partnerships and avoiding formal alliances.
Adding to U.S. concerns is India's continued participation in the BRICS economic bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. The U.S. views BRICS with suspicion, particularly its efforts to explore alternative global currencies that could challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar. U.S. officials have explicitly stated that such initiatives are viewed as undermining the cooperation and goodwill Washington seeks with New Delhi.
India, however, sees BRICS as a valuable platform for promoting a multipolar world order and advocating for the interests of emerging economies. New Delhi views BRICS as a way to amplify the voices of developing nations in global governance and to foster South-South cooperation on issues such as trade, climate change, and energy security. Moreover, India has explicitly stated it is not seeking de-dollarization.
Despite these points of contention, both the U.S. and India have strong incentives to maintain a robust relationship. The U.S. views India as a crucial partner in its efforts to balance China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India, in turn, seeks access to advanced U.S. technology and defense capabilities to modernize its military and enhance its security. Bilateral trade has also been increasing with both countries recently agreeing to a new ten-year defense framework agreement and committing to doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
The challenge for both countries lies in managing their differences while capitalizing on their shared interests. The U.S. needs to acknowledge India's need for strategic autonomy and its pursuit of a multi-aligned foreign policy. India, on the other hand, needs to be sensitive to U.S. concerns about its relationships with Russia and other countries that Washington perceives as strategic rivals. Through open communication, mutual understanding, and a focus on areas of convergence, the U.S. and India can navigate these challenges and ensure that their strategic partnership continues to thrive.
