NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — The United States sees India as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific, but Washington also wants a relationship built on clear reciprocity and strong American interests. That was the message delivered by Christopher Landau during remarks at the Raisina Dialogue this week. Landau said the U.S. values its growing partnership with India. However, he stressed that Washington will not repeat what he described as past mistakes that helped fuel China’s economic rise.
“We are very excited about the India-U.S. trade deal that is almost at the finish line,” Landau said. “But we will not make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.”
His comments highlight the evolving strategy of the administration of Donald Trump toward India, a country Washington sees as central to the geopolitical balance in Asia.
The United States views India as a major strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations share concerns about security, maritime freedom, and economic growth in the region. Landau said India has “incredible economic and human resources” that could shape the global economy in the coming decades. He said closer cooperation could benefit both countries.
“We think it is in our interest to be partnered with India,” Landau said. “In the next few years, we can set the stage for very close cooperation.”
He also pointed to progress in defense ties between the two countries. According to Landau, recent changes in defense cooperation would have seemed unlikely a decade ago. Security cooperation now focuses on counterterrorism and protecting global shipping routes. Both nations support freedom of navigation in major sea lanes across the Indo-Pacific.
Landau said a new India-U.S. trade agreement is close to completion. Officials from both countries have worked for months to finalize the deal. The proposed agreement could lower several tariffs and expand trade between the two economies. India has already agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs in sectors such as automobiles and motorcycles. That move includes tariff cuts affecting products from companies like Harley-Davidson.
In return, the United States would apply an 18% tariff rate under the interim arrangement. However, trade relations between the two nations still face challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court recently limited the president’s authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Despite the ruling, the administration continues to pursue new tariff policies. The U.S. has implemented a temporary 10% global tariff that could rise to 15%, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Earlier tariffs of 25% on Indian goods tied to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil were later removed.
Energy remains another major focus of India-U.S. cooperation. Landau described the potential for energy trade between the two countries as “limitless.” He encouraged India to increase purchases of American oil and natural gas.
The issue has gained urgency as tensions in West Asia disrupt energy supplies. Several energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar have suffered damage during the latest conflict in the region. India depends heavily on oil imports from West Asia. Around 10 million Indians also live and work in the region, making stability there a key concern for New Delhi.
Landau also addressed the growing conflict involving Iran. The crisis began after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted Tehran and killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Iran later launched missile attacks across several Gulf states. Countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar reported strikes.
At least six U.S. military personnel have died in the conflict so far. Landau said the United States aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He argued that a nuclear-armed Iran could threaten global security.
“Can you imagine the threat to the world if Iran could blackmail others with a nuclear weapon?” he asked.
The U.S. has previously targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure. One operation in 2025, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, aimed to damage underground nuclear sites.
India has taken a cautious position on the crisis. The government has urged all sides to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to ease tensions. New Delhi has not formally commented on the assassination of Iran’s leader.
