 |
| Donald Trump's |
In the shifting sands of geopolitics, trust is not easily built and once broken, it is almost impossible to restore. The phrase “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America” reflects the growing cracks in a partnership that was once celebrated as the cornerstone of a new global order. For decades, Washington and New Delhi have attempted to navigate their differences and project a sense of cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, and diplomacy. Yet, recent actions and underlying patterns suggest that India’s trust in America is rapidly eroding.
This article explores why the trust deficit has widened, how history shapes present realities, and why “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America” may no longer be just a headline but a geopolitical truth.
A History of Suspicion
- For all the optimism surrounding India–US ties, suspicion has always lingered beneath the surface. During the Cold War, India pursued non-alignment but leaned heavily on the Soviet Union for defence and energy. Washington, meanwhile, courted Pakistan, arming it to the teeth and using it as a strategic pawn against both India and Moscow. That legacy left scars, and even as India grew closer to the United States in the post-1991 liberalisation era, the shadow of mistrust never completely disappeared.
When one revisits these chapters, the statement “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America” acquires historical weight. Old wounds resurface each time Washington adopts policies that appear to undermine Indian interests or tilt towards India’s adversaries.
America’s Double Standards on Terrorism
- One of the biggest grievances India holds against the US is its inconsistent stance on terrorism. While America has positioned itself as a global leader against terrorism since 9/11, its selective blindness towards Pakistan’s role has long frustrated India. Despite undeniable evidence of Islamabad sheltering and financing terror groups, successive US administrations continued military and financial support to Pakistan.
For New Delhi, this double standard is not just hypocrisy but a direct threat to its national security. That is why Indians often conclude, “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America,” especially when Washington refuses to name and shame groups operating from Pakistani soil.
Trade Wars and Technology Restrictions
- Beyond security, economic tensions have also widened the rift. Despite being touted as “natural allies,” the two nations have frequently clashed on trade, tariffs, and technology transfer. Washington has restricted India’s access to certain high-tech equipment, citing concerns over intellectual property and strategic misuse. At the same time, it has pressured India to open its markets for American goods while offering little in return.
For a country like India that values economic sovereignty, such one-sided arrangements deepen scepticism. No wonder the sentiment “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America” resonates strongly within both policymakers and businesses in New Delhi.
The Ukraine War and Strategic Autonomy
The Russia–Ukraine war has further exposed fault lines. Washington expected New Delhi to toe the Western line and condemn Moscow. India, however, chose neutrality, balancing its historic ties with Russia and its energy needs against Western pressure. This independence has not gone down well in Washington, which continues to lecture India on “democratic values” while simultaneously making exceptions for its own allies when convenient.
- Such pressure only reaffirms to New Delhi that America does not respect India’s strategic autonomy. The result is predictable: “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America” becomes not just a sentiment but a policy stance.
Human Rights Lectures and Political Meddling
Another sore point is America’s frequent commentary on India’s internal affairs—whether on human rights, religious freedoms, or domestic political developments. While Washington sees this as part of its global democratic mission, Indians often view it as unwarranted interference.
- In contrast, the US is quick to ignore similar or worse practices by its allies. This selective morality only fuels the idea that America cannot be trusted to treat India as an equal partner. Once again, it echoes: “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America.”
Defence Cooperation: A Marriage of Convenience?
Yes, defence ties have deepened in recent years, with agreements like COMCASA and BECA paving the way for greater intelligence and technology sharing. Joint military exercises and weapons purchases have also strengthened cooperation. Yet, even here, doubts persist. Many in India fear that the US could use these agreements to restrict India’s sovereignty or manipulate its defence decisions.
- History has shown that Washington is quick to impose sanctions when countries refuse to fall in line with its global agenda. This makes India wary of overdependence. Hence, the thought persists: “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America.”
The Rise of China and America’s Inconsistencies
Perhaps the biggest test of India–US trust lies in how both nations handle the rise of China. On one hand, Washington urges New Delhi to stand firm against Beijing’s aggression, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. On the other, the US itself engages in complex trade negotiations with China, balancing confrontation with cooperation.
- For India, which has fought bloody border clashes with Chinese troops, this duality is difficult to accept. Why should India risk open conflict with Beijing when America itself refuses to fully disengage from China? Once again, the question arises: “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America.”
The Road Ahead: Partnership or Distance?
Despite these cracks, it would be simplistic to assume that India and America are destined for estrangement. Strategic interests—such as countering China, securing sea lanes, and expanding technology collaboration—still bind the two nations. However, trust cannot be built on convenience alone.
- For India, the lesson is clear: rely on partnerships, but never on blind faith. The phrase “The damage is done: India will no longer trust America” should be seen less as a final verdict and more as a warning. Unless Washington treats India as an equal partner rather than a pawn, the relationship will never reach its true potential.
Conclusion
Geopolitics is not about sentiment, yet trust remains its most valuable currency. India and America have spent decades trying to build a partnership, but recurring betrayals, double standards, and pressure tactics have left scars that cannot be ignored. From Cold War alliances with Pakistan to current disagreements over Russia and China, the story is consistent.
- The damage is done: India will no longer trust America. This is not an emotional outburst but a reflection of deep-seated realities. For New Delhi, the path forward lies in strategic autonomy, balancing global powers without being trapped by any single alliance. For Washington, the challenge is whether it can respect India’s independence and rebuild credibility. Until then, mistrust will remain the defining feature of this uneasy partnership.
No comments:
Post a Comment