“Why ‘Needling’ India Could Undermine U.S. Global Strategy: A Warning for Trump’s Second Term”
U.S. foreign-policy expert warns Trump: antagonizing India risks strategic setbacks. Here’s why respect, economic partnership, and diplomacy with India matter. Introduction In an evolving global landscape, the U.S.–India relationship stands at a pivotal crossroads. Walter Russell Mead—an esteemed foreign-policy scholar at Bard College and the Hudson Institute—recently cautioned that “needling India won’t make America great again.” His critique, published in a leading American publication, arrives just five months into Donald Trump’s second presidential term and signals growing concern over escalating tensions with India. 1. High Hopes, Growing Disenchantment India was among the few countries that openly welcomed Trump’s return in 2025. Expectations were high: strategic alignment on China, a pro-Russia pragmatism, and muscular Indo-Pacific diplomacy were on the table. Indian observers anticipated a balanced policy—frictions over trade could be offset with strong strategic gains. I...