Indo-US ties: Flying through turbulence, but hopes steady on strategic track

DESPITE renewed tensions over India's energy ties with Russia and public unease, India and the US are working, often behind the scenes, to stabilise their relationship and navigate a tricky diplomatic patch.

- JAYANTH JACOB @New Delhi

Far from signalling rupture, both governments are actively negotiating the headwinds with a shared recognition that their strategic partnership is too important to stall.

While political statements certainly muddy the waters, the engine of diplomacy is running quietly hopefully.

Officials from both sides have been engaged in a range of structured and informal talks aimed at reinforcing areas of convergence from defence and technology to the Indo-Pacific, while carefully managing sensitive issues such as Russia.

"The tone may shift from time to time, but the direction is steady," said a source about the ongoing discussions. "This is not a breakdown, but testing times."

India's continued engagement with Russia, particularly through energy imports, remains a point of concern in Washington and in many European capitals as well. However, Indian diplomats are actively working to explain the country's strategic compulsions while reinforcing its commitment to a global rules-based order, including through expanded participation in peace dialogues around Ukraine.