Why US and India have become regional rivals

On his recent visit to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio predictably touted India as one of America’s “most important strategic partners,” citing the two countries’ shared values, “people-to-people ties,” and strategic alignment on “all of the key issues that will define the new century.” But this familiar language of partnership rings increasingly hollow. Much has been said about the impact US President Donald Trump’s public insults and weaponisation of tariffs have had on America’s relations with India. But the bilateral relationship was under pressure well before Trump’s return to the White House in 2025. In recent years, as…