A Relationship Built on Convenience

The Trump administration, despite its bromance with Modi, slapped trade tariffs on Indian goods, proving that America’s interests always come first. The Biden administration hasn’t exactly rewritten the script either, keeping India around as a strategic asset in the Indo-Pacific while ensuring trade relations remain firmly in America’s favor.

The partnership may look convincing from a distance, but a closer look exposes the reality. America’s businesses invest in India, sure, but only in ways that benefit them. Meanwhile, India continues to dream of becoming the next manufacturing hub, despite rigid labor laws and economic policies that scare investors away.

India’s government hopes that supply chains moving away from China will miraculously end up in India’s lap, but global investors have other plans. With bureaucratic red tape thicker than a medical textbook and labor laws more complex than a Christopher Nolan film, India is hardly a dream destination for manufacturers. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Malaysia, with their business-friendly environments, are busy eating India’s lunch.

The Modi government may chant Reform, Perform, Transform the ground reality is different. Oxford Dictionary describes propaganda as "information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view." By that definition, India’s portrayal of its US ties fits the bill perfectly. The ruling party’s PR machinery churns out narratives about deep friendship, but the only deep thing here is the pit India keeps digging for itself by depending too much on Washington.

India loves to talk about Aatmanirbhar Bharat, but its economic decisions suggest a dependence on foreign approval. It’s as if India wants to be independent but also desperately craves a “good boy” sticker from the West. The result? Strategic confusion, missed opportunities, and a trade policy that looks more like a bad stand-up routine than a coherent economic strategy.

The Need for Multi-Alignment Over Blind Loyalty

India’s 1991 foreign policy doctrine of multi-alignment was the equivalent of keeping all options open at the buffet table. But today, Modi’s government has thrown most of its eggs into the American basket, hoping Washington will be a lifelong ally. Problem is, America’s track record with allies is about as stable as a Jenga tower. If Trump makes a comeback, India may soon find itself dealing with a leader who thinks diplomacy is conducted via all-caps tweets.

Meanwhile, India’s traditional partners aren’t as invested as they used to be. Russia treats India like a customer rather than an ally, and China looms as a constant border threat. Even Bangladesh, which should be a natural regional ally, isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for India anymore. But sure, let’s keep pretending that Washington will swoop in to save the day like some Hollywood action hero.

India’s need for Western validation is becoming as embarrassing as an uncle at a wedding insisting on showing off his dance moves. For too long, policymakers have measured success by how loudly America claps for them. But here’s the thing—China never begged for Western approval, and now it’s a global powerhouse that Washington is forced to deal with on equal terms. But true power doesn’t come from photo-ops—it comes from self-reliance, economic stability, and a foreign policy that doesn’t hinge on American approval.

India needs to wake up from its diplomatic daydream. The US-India relationship is a strategic transaction, plain and simple. And while working with Washington is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of India’s autonomy.

Instead of playing the role of America’s eager sidekick, India must refocus on strengthening its own position in the world. A balanced foreign policy, independent economic growth, and regional partnerships should be the priority—not endless applause from the West. Because if there’s one thing history teaches us, it’s that nations that beg for approval rarely get the respect they desire.