Answer: 

Introduction:

The US designated India as a major defense partner in 2016, but recent policies clash with India’s self-esteem and ambitions, creating friction in their relationship. The ties between India and the United States have seen ups and downs over the years. One of the major reasons for this is the lack of a clear position for India in the US global strategy.

Body:

• West Asia Policy: The US has an adversarial stance towards Iran, which is in line with Israel and Saudi Arabia’s policies. India’s interests lie in a strong, united, and peaceful Iran, not only for its oil imports but also for the Chabahar port and International North-South Transport Corridor (INTC). The US policy of restricting Iran’s influence in the region stands opposed to India’s interests.
• Afghanistan Policy: The US policy of withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan has implications for India. India has made significant investments in Afghanistan to bring peace and stability to the region. The situation in Afghanistan poses security risks for India, given Pakistan’s close proximity to the Taliban. Any peace deal with the Taliban will legitimize their terrorist activities and hurt India’s interests.
• Russia Policy: India has historically shared strategic relations with Russia, which is a major defence partner of India. The US considers Russia as its adversary and has imposed sanctions on Russia under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). This stands opposed to India’s defence deals with Russia, such as the S-400 missile system.
• Trade Relations: India is a developing country and wants to bring millions of people out of poverty. The US is a major trade partner, and its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) has been a useful mechanism for India. The US policy to restrict China’s growth trajectory has a negative impact on India. The US has accused India of not opening its economy to American trade, leading to tariffs on Indian exports.

Conclusion:

The US views India as a potential balancer against China, but India must demonstrate that a strong India aligns with US interests. India should pursue strategic hedging, engaging with major powers simultaneously. In international relations, interests are permanent, not friends or enemies. India’s diplomatic efforts will be crucial in navigating the complex geopolitical landscape.

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