McMaster Says U.S.-India Relations ‘Rocky’ but Vital Amid Rising Global Tensions
WASHINGTON — Former U.S. National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster described current U.S.-India relations as “rocky” but emphasized that the two countries remain essential partners, particularly in countering China’s growing influence.
“It’s been rocky, I’ll say that,” McMaster said in an interview. “It didn’t need to be that rocky in my view.”
He pointed to tensions during the Trump administration, including disagreements over trade and perceptions about diplomatic recognition. “President Trump felt as if he… didn’t receive enough credit… for reducing tensions on the border between India and Pakistan,” McMaster said.
Trade disputes have also contributed to friction, though he suggested they are manageable. “The trade issues have always been kind of sticky. But we could work together on those,” he said.
Despite these challenges, McMaster stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship. “We need each other,” he said.
He acknowledged that Washington was disappointed with India’s stance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “There was disappointment… when India… didn’t vote… with the United States in the United Nations,” he said.
At the same time, he linked India’s cautious approach to concerns about U.S. reliability after the withdrawal from Afghanistan. “When India… asked who has our back? There were doubts about the degree to which the United States could support India,” he said.
McMaster described India’s strategy as balancing competing concerns. “There’s this natural inclination… to swing between fears of entanglement… and fears of abandonment,” he said.
He argued that stronger assurances from Washington could help solidify ties. “From India’s perspective (the U.S.) should be the most important partner… going forward,” he said.
The former NSA also raised concerns about India’s reliance on Russian military equipment. “India’s reliance on Russian weapons and munitions is… problematic,” he said.
“Russian weapons and munitions are not very good… as you can see in Ukraine,” he added.
He said reducing that dependence could pave the way for deeper defense cooperation, noting U.S. concerns about technology security. “There is a great deal of reluctance to sell the most capable U.S. weapons… because of the threat of compromise,” he said.
Framing the relationship in strategic terms, McMaster pointed to China as a shared challenge. “The U.S. and India are the solution to each other’s problems… in terms of the threat from Chinese aggression,” he said.
He referenced ongoing tensions along the India-China border and broader economic and geopolitical pressures from Beijing.
McMaster also highlighted the role of people-to-people ties, including the Indian diaspora in the United States. “We have benefited from… the incredibly talented and vibrant Indian diaspora,” he said.
“We also have… strong cultural ties and… familial ties,” he added.
Despite recent strains, McMaster expressed confidence in the long-term outlook. “India and the United States are natural partners,” he said. (Source: IANS)
