WASHINGTON: Relations between the United States and India have come under their most serious strain in years following the May 2025 Pakistan-India ceasefire, according to an analysis published by the US magazine Foreign Affairs.
The magazine said New Delhi’s long-held claim of being a dependable strategic partner of Washington was facing renewed scrutiny after India rejected American mediation in the ceasefire, while Pakistan publicly welcomed the role played by US President Donald Trump.
According to the analysis, repeated public references by the US president to Pakistan’s diplomatic and military positioning, along with warm remarks about Pakistan’s leadership, created discomfort for India and exposed underlying tensions in bilateral ties.
The report noted that strains deepened after the US president declined to sign a proposed trade agreement with India and imposed additional tariffs on Indian exports, moves that further complicated relations between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs observed that these developments had fuelled a growing perception in Washington that India may not be a consistently reliable strategic partner, particularly when diplomatic disagreements arise.
Experts cited in the analysis argued that if India is willing to distance itself from the US over limited disputes, it raises questions about the durability of a partnership built over the past 25 years. They described the relationship as overly dependent on political optics rather than strong institutional foundations.
The magazine also stated that the Pakistan-India ceasefire was facilitated through US engagement at India’s request, but New Delhi has avoided acknowledging this publicly due to domestic political considerations.
Analysts said India’s rejection of US mediation, while simultaneously seeking firm American backing against China, reflected a contradiction in its foreign policy approach and highlighted growing friction in US-India relations.
