Walter Russell Mead, a distinguished authority on American foreign policy and Fellow at the Hudson Institute, has highlighted the strategic importance of deepening India-US relations. In a Wall Street Journal article titled ‘India still wants to work with Trump,’ Mead argued that closer ties with India provide a short-term solution to counter China and help establish a robust defensive coalition for the future. Despite recent tensions, he believes the Trump administration is well-positioned to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.
Mead emphasized that cooperation in technology between the US, India, and allied nations such as Israel and Japan offers a strategic advantage against China’s ambitions. On regional matters, he noted that US and Indian interests largely align, particularly as Chinese influence expands in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka—posing potential challenges for both nations.
He also remarked on the current US-Pakistan rapport, asserting that Islamabad’s record on nuclear proliferation and terrorism reduces its long-term appeal to Washington. Historically, the US valued Pakistan as a Cold War ally against the Soviet Union, but in the emerging US-China rivalry, Pakistan has aligned with Beijing, raising security concerns.
In early October, Mead led a US delegation to India, engaging with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Following the meetings, PM Modi acknowledged the delegation’s visit on X, highlighting its role in strengthening India-US cooperation and promoting global peace and prosperity.
Reflecting on the trip, Mead observed that Indian political and business leaders remain committed to working closely with the US and are optimistic about the mission of the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor. He also stressed that unresolved issues between India and the US could leave a lasting negative mark on the Trump administration.
Mead concluded that enhancing India-US relations could become one of President Trump’s most significant achievements, whereas failure to do so would complicate policy for future administrations. He urged for pragmatic steps to solidify the strategic partnership and maximize bilateral cooperation in technology, trade, and regional security.
