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9 January 2026|The Hindu
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International RelationsNEWS

Congress Highlights Growing Turbulence in India-U.S. Relations

Congress points out increasing turbulence in India-U.S. relations due to recent legislative actions.

Background Context

The India-U.S. relationship has seen significant shifts since India's independence in 1947. Initially, relations were lukewarm due to India's non-aligned stance during the Cold War. The U.S. leaned towards Pakistan, viewing it as a crucial ally against Soviet influence. Key turning points include the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which led to increased U.S. military assistance to India, and the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which strained relations due to U.S. support for Pakistan. The end of the Cold War and India's economic liberalization in the 1990s paved the way for closer ties, culminating in the landmark civilian nuclear agreement in 2008, which signified a strategic partnership despite India's nuclear status outside the NPT.

The Congress party has raised concerns about growing turbulence in India's relations with the United States, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's early visit to the White House. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted legislative and political signals from Washington that have caused discomfort in New Delhi. He pointed to a bill by Senator Lindsey Graham seeking sanctions on India over its trade with Russia and another bill by Senator Bernie Moreno proposing a 25% tax on American companies making "outsourcing payments." Ramesh also noted Trump's continued praise of Pakistan's army chief, suggesting these developments point to a "new abnormal" in the bilateral relationship. He argued that conciliatory messaging by the Prime Minister is unlikely to address the underlying shifts in U.S. policy.

Key Facts

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Issue: Growing turbulence in India-U.S. relations

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Bill 1: Sanctions on India over Russia trade

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Bill 2: 25% tax on outsourcing payments

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Comment: Trump praises Pakistan's army chief

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Congress: New abnormal in relationship

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed both deepening cooperation and emerging frictions in India-U.S. relations. The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) involving India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia has strengthened security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, primarily aimed at countering China's growing influence. However, disagreements persist on issues such as trade, intellectual property rights, and India's relationship with Russia, particularly regarding arms purchases and energy imports. The U.S. has expressed concerns over India's human rights record and treatment of minorities. Looking ahead, the relationship is expected to navigate a complex landscape of shared interests and divergent priorities, requiring careful diplomacy and strategic alignment.

3 Key Concepts to Understand

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