US-India Relations Hit Rock Bottom: Experts Blame Trump Administration's Aggressive Trade Policies

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New Delhi, India - As the India-US relationship falters, experts warn that the onus is on Washington to repair the damage. The Trump administration's focus on trade and tariffs has created a rift, with India being singled out as a key offender. According to Michael Kugelman, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, the US has squandered a significant amount of goodwill through its policies and rhetoric. While defense and strategic engagements between the two nations continue, Kugelman believes that the US must take steps to regain trust. He notes that the strained relationship has created opportunities for other nations, including Europe, which is now poised to strengthen ties with India. Kate Sullivan de Estrada, an associate professor at Oxford University, agrees that the loss of trust between India and the US is a win for Europe. The EU is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with India, which could lead to cooperation in areas like biotech, renewable energy, and quantum computing. However, both experts caution that India and the EU are navigating complex relationships, with their own issues with China and concerns about the reliability of the US. Sullivan de Estrada warns that the EU's approach to trade agreements can be seen as protectionist by India, which may hinder progress. Kugelman also sounded a warning about the potential for conflict in South Asia, citing the unbridled power of the military and the army chief in Pakistan. He predicts that the next war in the region could be between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Pakistan carrying out strikes in Afghanistan to target terrorists and the Taliban sponsoring militant attacks across Pakistan. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the US can repair its relationship with India and regain the trust that has been lost. For now, experts warn that the consequences of inaction could be severe.