CNAS Report Warns of Strategic Mistrust in US-India Ties

The Center for a New American Security released a policy paper titled 'Repairing the Breach: Getting US-India Ties Back on Track,' which warns that deep strategic mistrust continues to cloud relations between Washington and New Delhi. The report identifies a decline in the relationship during late 2025, driven by disagreements over an India-Pakistan ceasefire and the imposition of steep U.S. tariffs on Indian exports.

According to the paper, the Government of India remains disappointed by the insufficient attention the United States has paid to terrorism originating in Pakistan. The report further urges the U.S. to respect Indian red lines regarding Kashmir by avoiding third-party mediation.

While the report notes a partial recovery through a February 2026 interim trade deal and a renewed 10-year defense framework agreement, it cautions that ongoing political mistrust could undermine collaborative gains in semiconductors, AI, and critical minerals. The authors conclude that the quality of this partnership will determine if a balance of power persists in the Indo-Pacific or if China becomes the dominant regional force.