There has always been an important relationship between the United States and India. As there have been occasions to cooperate, especially in the fields of trade, defence technologies, and others, there is tension today.

That’s not just some random change of angle; it is based on certain key drivers that always point to deeper and more profound strategic motives. Now, I’d like to discuss why the US is looking more and more as if it is against India and where this hatred is coming from.

India is no longer a regional power limited to South Asia; it is gradually emerging into a world power. It becomes a natural conclusion that with such a power, conflicts with the developed states of the world powers intensify. Having been holding the key to world politics for so many years, the US looks at India as a friend as well as a competitor in terms of a newly emerging power challenging its dominance in the Indo-Pacific region. The widening strategic relations between India and Russia, particularly in the defence sector, have caused concern in Washington. India’s growing closeness with Russia, a declared US rival, undermines its strategic intent.

India and the US have a long-standing relationship, dating back to the Cold War when India was allied with the Soviet Union. Today, India continues to engage in defence cooperation with Russia, despite pressure from the US, and has recently purchased the S-400 missile system. This tension between the two countries stems from India's non-conformity to American policy. India has not accepted this, as it has stated its sovereignty policy.

The economic rivalry between the two countries is also significant. India is among the fastest-growing countries globally, which poses a threat to US dominance in global markets. The Indian government's drive for self-sufficiency through initiatives like 'Make in India' has alarmed American businesses and consumers due to the increasing difficulty in controlling the market in India. Additionally, the Indian government's policies limiting American businesses' freedom also influence economic tensions between the two countries.

Moreover, issues like CAA and the Kashmir situation have led to criticism and diplomatic tension. Some argue that the US has used human rights issues as leverage to force demands on other countries, but this concentration on India's internal politics has made many people think that the US opposes India's current government and actions.

We can simply say that the United States of America is coming across as jealous of India's global rise in every aspect.

The rising world strategic contest today makes India's actions directly oppose those of the US, as its participation in organizations like BRICS makes the USA uncomfortable. The US would like India to remain a junior partner within the system of international relations, but India's assertiveness frustrates this assumption.