The India-US bilateral relationship is currently facing a notable "lack of mutual trust," according to speakers at the Hudson Institute’s New India Conference. While strategic and economic engagements continue, experts emphasized that rebuilding this trust is paramount to overcoming a phase marked by misaligned expectations and policy uncertainty.
Panelists suggested that misinterpretations of each other's constraints and a "deep hurt" stemming from perceived policy divergences are contributing factors. Addressing these requires focusing on genuine mutual interests and delivering practical outcomes. Despite friction in trade and defense, opportunities in economic cooperation and re-engaging on initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe corridor and I2U2 were highlighted as areas needing renewed focus. The consensus points to the necessity of sustained political attention and strategic alignment to navigate future challenges.
