Conditional Trust

Americanforeign policy Is driven byshiftinginterests. Itis notanchoredinpermanent friendship orlong-termloyalty. Itsdirectionis shaped by nationalinterests, domestic politicalpressures,and expedienciesin Washington. As aresult, today’s cooperation maynottranslateinto tomorrow’s support

- ABHIK ROY The writer is professor emeritus at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles

Inthe language of diplomacy, India and the United States are often described as “natural partners,” “democracies aligned in the Indo-Pacific,” and “two great powers joined by history and values.” This rhetoric carries an undeniable charm. It flatters both nations and constructs an image of deep strategic harmony.

Yet for New Delhi, the time has come to look beyond these pleasantries and confront a more consequential question: Can India truly trust the United States? Cooperation between the two countries is both necessary and beneficial.

But trust ~ especially long-term strategic trust ~ must rest on consistent actions and genuine reciprocity, not on catchy slogans or the warm, feelgood language typically exchanged during summits. A candid assessment of American foreign policy, recent diplomatic conduct, and the volatility of U.S. domestic politics suggests that India must think twice before relying too heavily ~ or too eagerly ~ on Washington.

American foreign policy Is driven by shifting interests. It is not anchored in permanent friendship or long-term loyalty. Its direction is shaped by national interests, domestic political pressures, and expediencies in Washington. As a result, today’s cooperation may not translate into tomorrow's support.

History shows this unambiguously. For decades, the United States backed Pakistan militarily and financially, often overlooking Islamabad’s support for anti-India terrorist networks.

Washington has repeatedly shifted its positions ~ at times embracing leaders it once shunned, or opposing movements it previously funded ~ depending entirely on its own strategic interests. India,a democracy that thinks in long-term strategic terms, cannot afford to overlook this pattern of marked inconsistency.

Warmth shown today may be entirely ephemeral, and it certainly does not guarantee commitment in the future.