New Delhi, Oct. 10 -- When Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted about his "good progress achieved in trade negotiations" after a call with President Donald Trump, it was more than diplomatic choreography. It marked a visible thaw in one of the most strained phases of India-US commercial relations in recent memory-a pragmatic reset after months of tariff battles, oil-related sanctions, and stalled dialogue.

For Washington and New Delhi alike, the revival of talks signals both an economic and geopolitical recalibration, one that could reshape India's global posture as it navigates between competing great-power rivalry.

Since early 2025, India has been locked in a bruising trade confrontation with Washington. Punitive tariffs, some reachin...