Kapur has long advocated for a stronger US-India partnership while warning of Pakistan’s persistent destabilising role in the region.
Ties between Delhi and Washington have been strained by trade frictions, but had looked to be picking up again until Trump's visa announcement on Friday — a move that has hit Indian technology companies hard.
Indian officials point out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently attended ASEAN summits in previous years, making his participation highly likely this year too.
India’s participation in Zapad 2025 conveys several strategic messages. It strengthens operational ties with Russia, ensures readiness to operate Russian-origin systems, and asserts India’s strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.
The US President has repeatedly described India-US ties as a “very special relationship", even amid the tariff tensions.
India’s growth model is powered by domestic consumption and investment, not exports. This is precisely why the tariff shock, while significant, may not derail the momentum - at least not immediately
Tariff headwinds and economic condescension from abroad have proven clearly that economic might is the only contributing force to global relevance. India must use this moment to accelerate long-overdue reforms at home. India’s exporters often struggle less with global competitors and more with domestic red tape
For India, this opens up a potential silver lining. A Fed easing cycle could support flows into Indian bonds, offer some near-term relief for the rupee, and help ease imported inflation pressures.
Block highlighted the fact that Washington initially encouraged India to buy Russian oil under price caps in order to stabilize global markets and help US allies in Europe.
A surprising thaw in US-China ties and an unsurprising bonhomie between Pakistan and Bangladesh alter the nature of India’s security risks. At this juncture, India should try to preserve and strengthen ties with Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives, and not neglect the importance of that regional buffer
Sanghnomics: The US tariff war is disrupting global trade, hitting India’s MSMEs hard. While diversification offers opportunities, India must remain cautious of China and prioritise self-reliance to safeguard economic sovereignty
The world cannot return to the “golden age” of globalization. That said, commerce without conflict is not a naïve aspiration; it is a practical necessity. Therefore, governments cannot afford to abandon the rules-based system altogether – doing so would harm even the most powerful economies
Russian Embassy official Roman Babushkin said India matters a lot to Russia and it doesn't expect New Delhi to cut its oil imports
Cold War politics and commercial interests in the backdrop of a menacing China will help both countries get over this phase. Don’t expect an immediate rapprochement but never underestimate the binding power of mutual self-interest
Trump may not share Nixon’s personal dislike of Indians. But Nixon, who passed away a few decades ago, has a successor when it comes to damaging bilateral ties.
In a week’s time the 3-month pause on the US’ unilateral announcement of reciprocal tariffs ends. Agriculture and dairy segments represent India’s 'red lines'. However, US pressure to open up these areas may not subside as it seeks to find an alternative to China’s market
The US commerce secretary said some of these moves have posed challenges to the relationship and are 'really not the way to make friends in America'
The American president’s social media messages about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan are bound to be disquieting for both Indians and neutral observers. From indicating an equivalence between the two countries to going back to hyphenating them, the tenor was inconsistent with reality. This setback may be because of the recent churn in the Trump administration.
India’s growing bilateral trade surplus appears to be the factor that has catalyses charges of unfair practice. A law proposed by US Congress representatives gives the President the option to use tariffs as tools to force another country to lower its levies. This is likely to be first choice approach of the US, aiming to increase its exports and eventually wiping out its bilateral trade deficit with India
India has, so far, not been in Donald Trump's firing line. Reports say New Delhi may offer more duty concessions and there is also a talk of a ‘mini trade deal’ ahead of the Modi-Trump meet
Rubio "emphasised the Trump administration's desire to work with India to advance economic ties and address concerns related to irregular migration", State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a readout after the meeting.
Russia-related sanctions on Indian firms and nationals by America’s Office of Foreign Assets Control can have far-reaching implications. They shouldn’t be ignored. There are ways to ring-fence target entities as OFAC policy is guided by an aim of changing behaviour
Donald Trump’s return to the White House brings significant implications for India-U.S. relations, sparking fresh debates around security, trade, and regional partnerships. With a renewed ‘America First’ vision, how might Trump reshape this critical alliance? From potential H1B visa adjustments to joint counter terrorism efforts and Indo-Pacific strategies, we dive into the expected shifts and surprises for both countries. Join Payal Tiwari Sharma from Moneycontrol for insights into the evolving Trump-Modi dynamic and what it could mean for India’s global standing.
India-US ties are growing on the back of strategic convergence. An election outcome won’t alter the long-term trend. However, America has the world’s most impactful culture and what happens there ripples out. Donald Trump negativity, therefore, represents a problem for everyone
The United States returned 297 smuggled artifacts to India during PM Modi's visit, strengthening cultural ties and diplomacy. Learn how this exchange marks a milestone in India-US relations and the fight against illicit trafficking.