Ideas of India Summit 2026: This time in ABP Network’s special program Ideas of India Summit 2026, international affairs expert John Mearsheimer talked openly about the relations between India and America. The international affairs expert said that America considers India as a strong partner in front of China, but he also said that due to economic pressure and the changing working style of President Trump, the uneasiness in the relations between the two countries has increased.
He said that the world is changing rapidly. India wants to strengthen its place in this changing world. At such a time, its relationship with America is both important and a little complicated. This session was done by Shashi Tharoor.
‘Trump is the king of tariffs’
Mearsheimer clearly said that trade policy is not a small issue, but it is the major reason for tension. He said, “President Trump is the king of tariffs. His nature keeps changing a lot. In such a situation, it becomes important for India not to get too close to America. If you become economically dependent on America, then it can use that situation to take decisions as per its own.”
According to him, tariffs are not only an economic weapon but also a means of creating pressure. He said that Trump does not hesitate to put pressure on his allies for trade. This is the reason why today the relationship between America and India seems sour.
He also said, “Trump sometimes shows more strictness with his allies than with his opponents. His dealings with European countries are an example of this. He has many means to implement unilateral decisions.” In this perspective, India will have to keep in mind both the benefits and economic risks of increasing proximity with America.
India’s role in America’s strategy regarding China
Despite the tension, Mearsheimer said that India’s role in American strategy is very important. He said, “Most American policy makers believe that India is an emerging great power and will be among the major powers of the world in the coming times.” He said clearly, “America understands that India is an important player in trying to balance China. America is committed to containing China. America itself is a regional power and wants to maintain its position.”
According to him, the competition between America and China is deep and long lasting. He said, “China wants to become as powerful as America. But America will not accept China’s dominance in Asia. In such a situation, competition and conflict is almost certain.” From this perspective, India becomes a natural partner and strategic ally for America.
Challenge of balance before New Delhi
Mearsheimer warned that India will have to take steps very carefully. He said, “India should avoid becoming too dependent on America economically and militarily.” He acknowledged that due to concerns about China, India has strong reasons to grow closer to America. But recent events have complicated the situation.
He said, “Till last year, India felt that its relations with America would remain strong and positive. But some of Trump’s statements angered the Indian people and the situation changed.” He also said that the events of the last one year have also shown that there are risks in getting too close to America. He said, “I suggest that India should adopt a balanced path.”
Is America’s less attention beneficial for India?
At the end of the discussion, Mearsheimer said something interesting. He said, “Trump is currently paying more attention to the Western Hemisphere, so America is not paying too much attention to India these days. We do not have much time on India and this may be in the interest of India because you would not want America to pay too much attention to you.”
His statement revealed a new layer of relationships. On one hand, America considers India important in balancing China, on the other hand, more American pressure can limit India’s strategic independence.
This comment of Mearsheimer in Ideas of India 2026 gives a new dimension to the debate. The question is not whether the interests of India and America coincide with China or not. The real question is whether these common interests will survive amid economic pressures, changing leadership and differing national priorities.
