That worldview is blunt, hierarchical, sceptical of multilateral restraint, and increasingly comfortable with the open exercise of power. The argument is not that India has suddenly fallen out of favour in Washington, but that Washington itself has changed how it evaluates partners. On the contrary, India has strong strategic convergences with Washington, particularly on China, maritime security, and emerging technologies. The US has told the world — through its NSS, through Project 2025, and through actions like Venezuela — what kind of power it intends to be. India’s challenge is not to react late again, but to leadwith open eyes in a world that has moved decisively from reassurance to raw power.

Source: The Telegraph January 19, 2026 02:16 UTC