In recent years, the relationship between India and the United States has experienced notable shifts, marked by moments of both tension and cooperation. Despite these fluctuations, experts and former officials emphasize the vast potential for stronger ties between the two democratic nations, given their shared interests and values. One such voice is James C. Lawler, a distinguished former CIA officer and head of the agency’s Counter-Proliferation Division, who recently shared his insights on the trajectory of India-US relations and the prospects for future collaboration.
Lawler expressed a sense of puzzlement over the historically cautious nature of the India-US relationship. “I have never fully understood why India and the United States were never adversaries but never true friends,” he admitted in an interview with ANI. He highlighted that both countries share vibrant economies, democratic frameworks, and significant populations of ethnic Indians contributing to American society. “Most of our interests are convergent,” he noted, underscoring the potential for a partnership that goes beyond mere diplomacy to embrace deeper economic and strategic cooperation.
The former intelligence official stressed that, despite past hesitations, the United States should actively pursue a much stronger relationship with India. He acknowledged India’s economic transition from socialist-oriented policies towards capitalism as a key factor that aligns well with America’s market-driven approach. “You’re a democracy. We’re a democracy. You’ve gotten away from more socialistic policies into more capitalism. I think we could be much stronger working together than standoffish,” Lawler said. His comments reflect a broader view that the two largest democracies in the world have much to gain from mutual support and collaboration in various fields.
Lawler’s reflections come against the backdrop of a period marked by mixed signals in India-US relations, particularly during the tenure of former President Donald Trump. The relationship encountered challenges when the Trump administration imposed a 25 percent reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, branding India the “tariff king.” This move created economic friction between the two nations. The situation escalated when the US added another 25 percent tariff, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil as justification. Trump accused India, along with other countries, of effectively “funding the Russia-Ukraine war,” a serious allegation that India’s Ministry of External Affairs repeatedly denied.
Although tensions had risen, there were signs of improvement later, with Trump claiming that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured him India would cease buying Russian oil. However, India did not publicly confirm such discussions, maintaining a cautious diplomatic stance. This episode highlights the complexities of the India-US relationship, where public statements and private conversations sometimes diverge, reflecting the delicate balancing act New Delhi must perform on the global stage.
Another contentious point during the Trump administration was the former president’s repeated claim that he personally prevented a “potential nuclear war” between India and Pakistan. He referred to heightened border tensions following Operation Sindoor, which was launched after a deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region that killed 25 civilians and one tourist. India has consistently rejected this narrative, emphasizing that the ceasefire along the Line of Control was achieved through bilateral talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan. New Delhi has steadfastly maintained that any disputes with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, must be resolved bilaterally without third-party intervention.
Lawler, who served 25 years as a CIA operations officer in various international postings, reflected on the historical context of India-US relations. He noted that during his tenure, India was more aligned with the Soviet Union, a factor that complicated Indo-American ties. “India was much friendlier to the Soviet Union than we were. A lot of Indian military weaponry was Soviet,” he explained. He suggested that the United States should consider supplying India with more advanced technology, signaling a shift in strategic thinking and an opportunity to deepen defense cooperation.
The former CIA official also pointed to recent developments indicating that major Indian firms have reportedly stopped purchasing Russian oil, viewing this as an opening for enhanced collaboration between the two countries. Given that both India and the United States face similar strategic challenges, particularly concerning China’s growing influence in the region, Lawler urged policymakers to move beyond outdated Cold War mentalities. “The Cold War is over. Let’s try and find more mutual interests. We could be much stronger working together,” he said.
Lawler’s vision for the future of India-US relations is one of partnership grounded in shared democratic principles and economic goals. He believes that both countries stand