Nepal, June 13 -- n his recent visit to India, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio predictably touted India as one of America's "most important strategic partners," citing the two countries' shared values, "people-to-people ties," and strategic alignment on "all of the key issues that will define the new century."

But this familiar language of partnership rings increasingly hollow with Donald Trump's public insults and weaponisation of tariffs. But the bilateral relationship was under pressure well before Trump's return to the White House in 2025.

In recent years, as India's regional standing has been steadily eroded by China's expanding strategic footprint, the United States has pursued policies in India's strategic backyard that have d...