Palmerstone rightly said that there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. The policy shift of the United States towards India under the Trump Administration shows how leadership shapes countries’ overall policies.

For decades, an amiable relationship existed between the US and India, with the US seeing India as the regional counterweight to China. Under the Obama Administration, India enjoyed great privileges, and the victory of Donald Trump was also celebrated by Indians and Prime Minister Narender Modi. However, the outcome of the victory of president Trump proved fruitless for India. There are multiple factors to discuss when delving into the contentious relationship of India and the US under the current regimes.

India is the second country after China purchasing oil from Russia despite the US consistently warning countries to avoid buying Russian oil.

Firstly we must not forget that over past decades, India has formulated a hegemonic policy both regionally and globally. India’s self-interest-centric policy is something Mr. Trump dislikes. Trump having narcissistic personality never compromises his ego and with a business mindset, prefers allies who serve   American trade and strategic goal.

India is the second country after China purchasing oil from Russia despite the US consistently warning countries to avoid buying Russian oil. The statements of India’s foreign minister in the past, to buy Russian oil and their lack of accountability to anyone while formulating policy, demonstrated how aggressive India is focusing its own interests bypassing the US concerns. Similarly, India’s continued purchase of military equipment from Russia despite US warnings has also become a bone of contention between Narender Modi and Donald Trump.

Secondly, India’s role in aligning with multiple BLOCS is another factor, US is feeling betrayal and frustration. For example, India is a member of the BRICS+ group, which aims to ditch the US dollar and create alternative currencies. India actively engages with Russia and other rivals, adopting multi-tier approach in its global dealings.

On the one hand, India is a member of US aligned groups such as AUKUS, I2U2, and QUAD; on the other hand, India is also an active member of SCO, BRICS and others. The US perceives this as   duplicity of India simultaneously participates in groups to counter US influence globally.

Thirdly, the recent India Pakistan four-day war and the US mediation also impacted the relationship of Washington and Delhi. US has mediated between India and Pakistan as stated by Pakistan and the US officials and President Trump himself. But India continuously denied that the US was behind the ceasefire, which irritated the Trump administration.

India is mistaken to realize that America is no longer view India with the lens of countering China in the region.

As a business tycoon, economy and trade are the cornerstones of Trump’s policy. The US has a trade deficit with India, and Trump, during his election campaign blamed India for its aggressive trade practices. All this while, Trump has smacked India with hefty tariffs just because he thinks those high import duties in India are unfair and insists on “equal” trade. Also for buying cheaper oil from Russia, which he claims fuels the war with Moscow. It is all part of his pressure tactics to force India to liberalize its markets and lean even more toward U.S. strategic goals. On the contrary India is showing aggressive attitude towards the US.

India is mistaken to realize that America is no longer view India with the lens of countering China in the region but under the Trump administration, the US is more focused on leveraging economic benefits from partners than relying on counterbalancing acts.

In this regard, I admire Pakistan’s current foreign policy towards the US and welcoming US investment in the mineral sector of Pakistan and diplomatic victory in reducing tariffs to 19pc which will enhance exports competitiveness of Pakistan in the US markets.

The flattering remarks made by Mr. Trump about Pakistan account for the amicable relationship between the two countries. Pakistan must carry out a balanced foreign policy between the US and China to tactically exploit those benefits that both superpowers offer, while also maintaining cordial relations with all countries.

Trump has smacked India with hefty tariffs just because he thinks those high import duties in India are unfair.

The country must not put all its eggs in one basket as we evidenced from our past actions. To attract massive investments, Pakistan must improve governance and combat terrorism and militancy and create a safe environment for investors. These efforts will undoubtedly uplift the economy of Pakistan, as the country is a home of hidden treasures. The statement of French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand as he said that the art of statesmanship is to foresee the inevitable and to expedite its occurrence.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.