India–US Relations: Strategic Dependence and Foreign Policy Challenges

29 May 2026

The article by political analyst Pratap Bhanu Mehta argues that India’s foreign policy today resembles a “deer in headlights syndrome”, where policymakers appear confused and uncertain due to rapidly changing geopolitical realities.

Growing Dependence on China and Lack of Alternatives

The central concern raised in the article is that:

India remains economically dependent on China in several sectors.
However, India has not found a comfortable strategic alternative to China.

Although the United States is often projected as India’s strategic partner, the writer argues that India cannot fully rely on the US because American foreign policy is primarily guided by its own national interests.

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Decline of India’s Moral Foreign Policy Prestige

After independence, India strongly opposed:

Colonialism
Imperialism
Western domination of Asia and Africa

However, the writer argues that India has gradually moved away from that moral positioning.

Examples cited include

India’s silence on Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
India’s muted response to US and Israeli actions against Iran.

According to the writer, this has weakened India’s image as a voice of developing nations and anti-imperialist politics.

Strategic Autonomy vs Practical Dependence

India officially follows a policy of strategic autonomy, meaning independent foreign policy decisions without external pressure.

However, the writer argues that:

India buys Russian oil to demonstrate independence.
But when threatened by US tariffs or pressure, India reduces such engagement.

Thus, India’s strategic autonomy often appears symbolic rather than fully independent.

The writer uses the term:

“Internalized Dependence”

Meaning

India has psychologically accepted that the US is its only viable counterbalance against China.

According to the writer, this hidden dependence is even more dangerous than a formal alliance.

US Approach Towards Pakistan

India expected that the US would increasingly view Pakistan through India’s security concerns.

However:

The US continues maintaining strategic relations with Pakistan.
Even after Operation Sindoor, America continued portraying itself as a mediator in South Asia.

The writer argues that:

The US will never fully align with India’s regional vision.
America prefers retaining influence in the Indian subcontinent.

Economic Extractivism and Technology Dependence

The article argues that:

The US increasingly treats India through a transactional lens.
Tariffs imposed on India were meant to demonstrate American dominance.

The writer also claims:

The US believes India remains technologically dependent.
Therefore, America sees itself as being in a superior bargaining position.

The article uses the term:

“Extractive Diplomacy”

Meaning

A diplomatic relationship where one country attempts to maximize benefits from another without genuine strategic equality.

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Conclusion

Transactional Nature of India–US Relations: According to the writer, earlier India–US relations were rooted in shared values of democracy, openness, and liberal principles, but the relationship today has increasingly become transactional and interest-driven, indicating that both countries continue to have significant strategic divergences despite growing cooperation.

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