Trump adviser Richard Rossow calls for deeper U.S.-India ties
Trump Adviser Rossow – In a moment of geopolitical recalibration, a top adviser to President Donald Trump has issued a powerful appeal to American leadership: strengthen ties with India or risk losing a generational opportunity. Richard Rossow, senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), described the U.S.-India relationship as “the best gift American leaders can bring future generations,” urging policymakers to “get it right” despite recent trade tensions and diplomatic missteps.
This call comes just days after Trump imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods in response to India’s continued energy trade with Russia. The move has sparked criticism from both sides of the aisle and raised concerns about the future of one of the world’s most important strategic partnerships.
Strategic Stakes: Why India Matters More Than Ever
Rossow’s remarks underscore India’s growing importance on the global stage. With the world’s largest population, a rapidly expanding economy, and increasing military capabilities, India is poised to be one of the three dominant global powers in the coming decades.
“We won’t agree on every issue, but India will forever have the world’s largest population, will be one of three global economies, and massive military power,” Rossow posted on X.
India’s strategic location, democratic governance, and shared values with the U.S. make it a natural ally in counterbalancing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. The two nations have deepened cooperation in defense, technology, and energy, with initiatives like the India-U.S. COMPACT aiming to catalyze military and commercial partnerships.
Yet, recent U.S. actions particularly the tariff hike and pressure over Russian oil imports, have strained this relationship. Critics argue that the Trump administration’s approach risks undermining decades of trust and collaboration.
Tariffs and Trust: A Relationship at Risk
The decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50% has been widely criticized as disproportionate and counterproductive. While India continues to import Russian oil, so do other nations like China and Turkey—yet they face lower penalties. The European Union, the largest buyer of Russian gas, has not been similarly targeted.
Krystle Kaur, a NATO advisor, voiced her disappointment:
“Placing 50 percent on India is detrimental to not just trade between the two countries but the overall relation, especially when it has taken a long time to create,” she said.
Rossow echoed these concerns in a CSIS article, warning that the administration’s push for “unreasonable thresholds” on agricultural market access could erode the trust built over generations. He also criticized the U.S.’s inconsistent handling of the India-Pakistan conflict and its pressure campaign over Russian energy purchases.
“The bizarre engagements with Pakistan… have stoked India’s age-old concerns about the reliability of the United States as a partner,” Rossow wrote.
A Call for Strategic Maturity
Rossow’s message is clear: the U.S. must adopt a more mature and consistent approach to its relationship with India. This means recognizing India’s unique geopolitical position, respecting its strategic autonomy, and focusing on shared interests rather than punitive measures.
India, for its part, has reaffirmed its commitment to the U.S. partnership. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the depth of the relationship, citing the COMPACT initiative and growing defense cooperation.
“India and the United States share a comprehensive global strategic partnership anchored in shared interests, democratic values, and robust people-to-people ties,” Jaiswal said.
He also defended India’s relationship with Russia, calling it “steady and time-tested,” and stressed that defense sourcing decisions are based on national security imperatives—not external pressure.
Looking Ahead: A Test of Leadership
The coming months will be a test of leadership for both nations. Will the U.S. recalibrate its approach and embrace India as a long-term strategic partner? Or will short-term trade disputes and geopolitical posturing derail decades of progress?
Rossow’s appeal is not just a policy recommendation, it’s a warning. The U.S.-India relationship is at a crossroads, and the decisions made now will shape the global order for generations.
“Let’s get this right,” Rossow urged. “Strong strategic/commercial ties with India is the best gift American leaders can bring future generations”.
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