Washington, Dec 5 (NationPress) India has emerged as a vital cornerstone of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy, as highlighted in President Donald Trump's newly released National Security Strategy (NSS).

The document, unveiled by the White House on Friday, outlines the administration's vision for global engagement while designating India as an essential ally in maintaining a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The strategy underscores that Washington “must continue to enhance commercial (and other) ties with India to inspire New Delhi's contributions to Indo-Pacific security, including ongoing quadrilateral collaboration with Australia, Japan, and the United States, known as ‘the Quad’.

It connects India's expanding economic and military presence to the U.S.'s overarching goal of ensuring that no single power dominates the region.

Reiterating its view of the Indo-Pacific as the pivotal battleground of the 21st century, the NSS highlights that the region currently constitutes nearly half of the global GDP and is set to drive future growth.

A key U.S. goal, it states, is to “prevent domination by any competing power” and to safeguard freedom of navigation across the South China Sea — a crucial route for one-third of global shipping traffic each year.

The document warns that “strong measures must be developed along with the deterrence necessary to keep those lanes open,” adding that nations “from India to Japan and beyond” would face dire consequences if maritime choke points fall under control or coercion.

It emphasizes President Trump’s recent diplomatic efforts in the region, noting that agreements reached during his October 2025 Indo-Pacific visit have “further deepened our robust ties of commerce, culture, technology, and defense.”

Technological collaboration is another significant area where India plays a key role. The NSS asserts that the U.S. must “enlist our European and Asian allies and partners, including India, to cement and enhance our joint standings” in emerging industries, supply-chain development, and the global race for crucial minerals.

The document positions India as part of a coalition that can assist in propelling U.S. leadership in AI, energy technologies, quantum computing, and autonomous systems.

Beyond economic and technological aspects, the strategy consistently underscores deterrence and burden-sharing. It urges partners across the First Island Chain to bolster their defense investments and advocates for deeper military cooperation to “deny aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain.”

India is portrayed as a significant regional influence whose decisions will shape the broader power dynamics.

In its depiction of global competition, the document refers to President Trump’s approach as “America First diplomacy” — one that promotes fair, reciprocal trade, robust national borders, and the protection of American workers. While it sharply criticizes “predatory, state-directed subsidies,” intellectual property theft, and coercive economic practices, it presents a resolute stance.