Washington: The United States-India relation has turned into a new phase with the Trump administration asking New Delhi to avoid buying weapons from Russia. This appeal has generated fears of any tension between the two countries.
Addressing the India Today Conclave, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “India has had a long relationship with Russia when it comes to its defence. We think now is the right time to break this dependence.”
US vs. Russia: Pressure on India
Washington is growing more concerned that India will keep buying its military hardware from Moscow, even though it can buy American fighter aircraft such as the F-35. The US is especially eager to keep India from choosing Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter.
But history indicates that India makes its own independent decisions when it comes to defence purchases. New Delhi proceeded with its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile system, even when Washington applied pressure. Now, the Trump administration seems to be applying the same pressure again.
Trade and the Dollar Debate
The US has also complained about India’s increasing role in the BRICS alliance. Lutnick pointed out that “BRICS is trying to create a new world currency to challenge the supremacy of the US dollar, and India is a part of it.”
Washington is apprehensive that if the BRICS nations are able to create a different currency, then it might downsize the global position of the dollar. Nevertheless, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar lately made it clear that “there are currently no plans within BRICS to introduce a new currency.”
Trade Imbalance: A Point of Contention
The US is also unhappy with its trade deficit with India. In the financial year 2023-24, India sent $77 billion of merchandise to the US and received only $42.1 billion. To correct this trade deficit, the Trump administration is ready to impose retaliatory tariffs on Indian imports from April 2.
It may make American goods cheaper in India but can cut into the revenue of the Indian government.
Will India Yield to Pressure?
India has always maintained independent defence and foreign policies. Whether arms purchases, membership in BRICS, or trade negotiations are on the agenda, New Delhi has always put its national interests first.
The big question now is whether increasing divergence between the US and India will put a strain on bilateral relationships or whether diplomatic talks will be able to reach a middle ground.