America’s Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has clearly said that America will keep its interests above all in the trade deal with India. They will not allow China to repeat the mistakes made 20 years ago, where America opened up the markets and then China left America behind in many sectors.
We will not make China’s mistake with India: Landau
Landau said this at the ongoing Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi. He said, ‘India should understand that we will not make the same mistake with India that we made with China 20 years ago. Where we told you to develop the market and then the next moment you are defeating us in many commercial things.
He reiterated the ‘America First’ policy and said that it does not mean ‘America alone’. Rather, it is a matter of cooperating with other countries in a way that is in the national interest of both. Landau said, ‘America first does not mean America alone. Just as President Trump wants to make America great again, similarly he expects the Prime Minister of India or other leaders to make his country great.
Trade deal will provide economic boost to both countries: Landau
Landau spoke very positively about the trade deal. He told that the bilateral trade deal between India and America is now near the ‘finish line’. He said, ‘We are very excited about this trade deal which is now at the finish line.’ This will give a big boost to the trade and economic partnership between the two countries.
Emphasizing on the growing strength of India, he said that India will rise in the 21st century because it is the most populous country in the world. The US-India partnership is not charity or social work, but is in the interest of both. Landau said, ‘I am not here to do social work or charity. I am here because it is in the interest of our country and we believe that it is also in the interest of India that our partnership deepens.
Trade deal entangled in ‘America First’ policy
This statement has come at a time when the Trump Administration is strictly implementing the trade policy under ‘America First’. Earlier, America had imposed tariffs on India, but in recent months, interim trade framework was discussed and steps were taken towards reducing tariffs. Landau made it clear that any deal must be fair to the American people, because the government has to be accountable to its people. Just like the Government of India towards its people.
Landau was the leader of the American delegation at the Raisina Dialogue and also talked to Indian officials on issues like defence, critical minerals, counternarcotics. Apart from trade, he said that America can become a better source of energy for India, especially when there are problems in the Strait of Hormuz. At present, the trade deal is expected to be finalized, which is a big opportunity for both the countries. But America has made it clear that this deal will be balanced and reciprocal, so that no one country dominates the other.
