Could the US Be Alienating India with Public Pressure?
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Synopsis
In a crucial interview, Bonnie Glaser from the German Marshall Fund warns that the US's current strategy of publicly instructing India on foreign policy may backfire. Glaser discusses the implications of this approach on US-India relations and emphasizes the need for a cooling-off period to stabilize ties. Discover the insights of a leading expert on this pivotal issue.
Key Takeaways
- The US's public pressure on India may alienate its ally.
- Glaser expresses concern about the deterioration of US-India relations.
- India is likely to strengthen ties with other nations amidst US tensions.
- Trump's social media tactics may not be effective in influencing foreign leaders.
- A cooling-off period could be beneficial for stabilizing bilateral ties.
Washington, Sep 6 (NationPress) Bonnie Glaser, the Managing Director of the Indo-Pacific Programme at the German Marshall Fund, a prominent think tank, has expressed concern that the current US approach of "publicly issuing directives to India" regarding its foreign policy decisions is unlikely to yield the "desired outcomes".
In an exclusive interview with IANS on Friday in Washington, Glaser pointed out that the Trump administration seems to operate under the assumption that India requires the US more than the US requires India.
"The Trump administration appears to think that India will prioritize its relationship with the United States because it needs the US more than the US needs India."
In response to statements made by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Friday, who seemed to impose conditions such as urging India to "cease participation in BRICS", Glaser remarked that while some officials within the Trump administration think strategically, she doubts that Lutnick belongs to that group.
"Many senior American officials who have worked tirelessly over the last two decades to bolster US-India ties are astonished and saddened by the deterioration in the bilateral relationship in just a few months," she added.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump shared a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that India and Russia appear to have been "lost" to China.
"Looks like we've lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!" Trump stated on Truth Social.
Glaser highlighted that Trump utilizes social media to "influence the actions of foreign leaders and other individuals", but in this instance, the strategy is likely to prove ineffective.
"In this latest post, he may think that by showcasing how closely PM Modi and Putin have aligned themselves with President Xi Jinping, those leaders will feel uncomfortable and modify their policies. I doubt it will be very effective," she remarked.
As US-India relations worsen, Glaser observed that India will likely continue to enhance collaborations in certain areas with Europe, Japan, South Korea, and other US allies.
She emphasized that for the US, "Washington will fail" if it attempts to counter China independently.
"Trump isn't a strategist, and his focus is on making America great again, which from his perspective does not necessitate strengthening partnerships and cooperation with allies on China and other issues. In my view, the US will fail if it tries to counter the various challenges presented by China alone," she cautioned.
Looking ahead, Glaser warned that a phone call between PM Modi and Trump could be perilous, and both sides should instead consider a "cooling-off period".
"A cooling-off period might be a beneficial approach. Unless our leaders are convinced that further deterioration of bilateral ties is detrimental to their national security, stabilizing the relationship will be challenging, if not impossible," she advised.
Point of View
Our stance is grounded in the belief that maintaining strong international relations is vital for national security. The current approach of publicly pressuring allies like India may risk alienating them. A strategic reevaluation is necessary to fortify partnerships and collaboratively address global challenges.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bonnie Glaser's role?
Bonnie Glaser is the Managing Director of the Indo-Pacific Programme at the German Marshall Fund, a think tank focused on international relations.
What concerns did Glaser raise about US-India relations?
Glaser warned that the US's strategy of publicly instructing India on its foreign policy could harm bilateral relations and lead to unintended consequences.
How does the Trump administration view India?
The Trump administration seems to believe that India needs the US more than the US needs India, which may not align with the reality of international relations.
What did Trump imply about India and Russia?
Trump suggested that India and Russia have been 'lost' to China in a post on social media, reflecting concerns over their growing ties.
What did Glaser suggest for improving US-India ties?
Glaser recommended a 'cooling-off period' to stabilize relations and cautioned against further deterioration.
