Former US Officials Champion Stronger India-US Ties: A Call to Rebuild Despite Past Tensions

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, a powerful chorus of former top US officials is urging former President Donald Trump to unequivocally prioritize and bolster America's relationship with India. This fervent appeal comes despite the shadow of past trade disputes, including tariffs and the withdrawal of India's preferential trade status, underscoring India's undeniable emergence as one of the United States' most crucial global partners.

These seasoned foreign policy veterans, many of whom served in senior roles during the previous Trump administration, are championing a renewed and invigorated strategic alliance with New Delhi.

They contend that the profound strategic convergence between the two democracies far outweighs any past economic frictions, making a robust partnership indispensable for American interests in the 21st century.

Among the prominent voices is K.T. McFarland, Trump's former Deputy National Security Advisor, who emphasized the unparalleled significance of India to the US, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

"India is probably one of our most important partners in the world," McFarland stated, highlighting the critical role India plays in balancing regional powers and fostering stability.

Lisa Curtis, a former senior director for South and Central Asia on the National Security Council, echoed this sentiment, asserting that strengthening ties with India should be a paramount foreign policy objective for any US administration.

Curtis underscored the bipartisan consensus in Washington regarding the importance of India, irrespective of who occupies the White House. She pointed out that while trade issues may arise, they are typically resolvable and should not overshadow the broader strategic imperatives.

Indeed, the previous Trump administration, while initiating significant defense and strategic dialogues, also saw moments of tension over trade imbalances and the application of tariffs on Indian steel and aluminum.

The subsequent removal of India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) further strained economic ties. Yet, even Peter Navarro, a staunch trade hawk in the Trump White House, acknowledged India's pivotal role, once remarking, "India is our friend," despite advocating for fair trade practices.

The call to action extends beyond specific economic disagreements.

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has consistently advocated for a deeper US-India partnership, viewing it as essential for countering China's growing influence and for safeguarding a free and open Indo-Pacific. The strategic importance of India, particularly within multilateral frameworks like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) – comprising the US, India, Australia, and Japan – is seen as a cornerstone of regional security architecture.

The message from these influential figures is clear: while specific trade irritants may resurface, they are minor compared to the monumental advantages of a closely aligned US-India relationship.

As India's economic prowess continues to grow and its geopolitical influence expands, nurturing this alliance becomes not just beneficial, but imperative for both nations. The shared values of democracy, a burgeoning economic partnership, and a mutual commitment to regional stability position India and the US on an unshakeable path toward a future defined by robust cooperation and strategic alignment, irrespective of past trade spats.

The time to rebuild and reinforce these vital connections, they argue, is now.