Jeffrey Sachs Warns: As India Rises, the US May Try to Weaken It — Lessons from a Pattern of Power Politics

In a revealing discussion, economist Jeffrey Sachs warns that India’s rise might provoke US strategic resistance. The blog examines Sachs's view, India’s progress, and the risks of falling into global power traps.

Introduction: Why This Statement Matters
American economist and global thinker Jeffrey Sachs, known for his bold critiques of Western foreign policy, shared a cautionary insight during a recent interview with Tucker Carlson. He claimed that if India becomes truly successful, the US will want to weaken India, not out of enmity, but because of a longstanding geopolitical instinct to neutralize emerging powers.

This statement isn’t just a provocative line. It highlights how global superpowers often react to growing rivals.

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Understanding the US Deep State Perspective
Sachs referred to the US deep state—a term describing permanent institutions like intelligence, military, and diplomatic agencies. He argues these bodies often sabotage nations that become strong enough to challenge US influence, regardless of those nations' ideologies or governance systems.

He warned that just like the US turned on Russia and China, India might also face similar tactics if it continues its upward trajectory. This pattern is driven by realpolitik, not friendship or values.

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India’s Rise: Key Areas That May Unsettle the US

1. Economic Growth and Independence
India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy and may reach the third spot within a decade. Government initiatives like Make in India and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aim to boost manufacturing and reduce foreign dependency.

This signals economic sovereignty, which reduces India’s reliance on US trade and technology, something that may disturb American strategic comfort zones.

2. Space and Defense Power
India's ISRO became the first to land a craft on the Moon's south pole. Projects like Gaganyaan and indigenous missiles, jets, and satellite systems show clear strides in defense autonomy.

India also engages with diverse partners like Russia and France rather than depending solely on the US for military hardware. This independent approach can frustrate US strategic planners.

3. Technological Innovation
India is creating a self-reliant digital economy through tools like Aadhaar, UPI, and India Stack. Indian unicorns are now rivaling Silicon Valley startups, and their digital infrastructure is being adopted globally.

This reduces Indian dependence on American tech giants like Google or PayPal, potentially disrupting US-led digital influence.

4. Multipolar Diplomacy
India engages with the Quad, BRICS, and SCO while maintaining close ties with Russia, Europe, and even Iran. It refuses to blindly take positions aligned with the West, as seen in its stance on the Russia-Ukraine and Palestine-Israel conflicts.

This diplomatic independence is increasingly seen as defiance by those who expect allies to follow US-led narratives.

5. Global South Leadership
India is emerging as a voice of the developing world. It pushes for United Nations reform, including a permanent seat on the Security Council. It also plays a leading role in climate justice, debt restructuring, and global equity.

This threatens the traditional dominance of Western nations in setting global rules.

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The US Pattern of Behavior: Why Sachs is Concerned
Sachs points out that the US has repeatedly tried to weaken powers that could challenge its dominance.

• Russia: Once a post-Soviet partner, now heavily sanctioned and isolated.

• China: Encouraged economically in the 90s, but now targeted via trade wars and tech bans.

• Iran, Iraq, and Libya: Penalized or invaded after asserting regional independence.

India, Sachs warns, could be next if it rises beyond what Washington considers acceptable.

Strategic Autonomy: India’s Best Path Forward
Sachs and Carlson both agree: India should avoid becoming a pawn in the US-China rivalry. It should instead maintain its strategic independence and avoid entanglements that don’t align with its national interests. India’s best options include:

• Pursuing balanced diplomacy with East and West.

• Resisting pressure to join exclusive military or economic alliances.

• Continuing to lead through the lens of sovereignty and mutual benefit.                                                                                                                                                                                                         India’s Growth Pillars That May Irritate the US

  Progress Area	Highlights
  Economic Independence	Rising GDP, manufacturing push, and PLI schemes.
  Tech Innovation	UPI, Aadhaar, and global Indian unicorns challenge Western dominance.
  Space & Defense Power	Moon landings, indigenous weapon systems, and tech independence.
  Diplomatic Multipolarity	Strong ties with Russia, Iran, China, and BRICS leadership.
  Global South Advocacy	UN reforms, equitable global order, and climate justice leadership.

  
  

  These areas illustrate why Sachs believes that India’s independent success may not be welcomed by the US deep state.

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   Conclusion: India Must Grow on Its Own Terms

  Jeffrey Sachs’ warning isn’t paranoia—it’s a hard-earned perspective on international politics. India is poised for greatness, but must remain alert to the patterns of global power.

  India should welcome partnerships, but not subordination. As the world shifts toward multipolarity, India can lead by being itself, not someone else's ally.

  Portions of the news coverage in this article are based on reports from various reputable media platforms. The analysis structure and additional content have been generated based on user prompts and editorial insights.

• Note: Portions of the news coverage in this article are based on reports from various reputable media platforms. The analysis structure and additional content have been generated based on user prompts and editorial insights.

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