Bangladesh, July 11 -- For much of the past two decades, the United States and India were widely portrayed as natural strategic partners whose cooperation would shape the geopolitical balance of the 21st century. Policymakers, analysts, and diplomats frequently described the relationship as one of the worlds most consequential partnerships, driven by shared democratic values, expanding defense cooperation, economic engagement, and common concerns about regional security.

Yet international partnerships are rarely immune to changing political priorities. The return of Donald Trump to the White House has once again placed the doctrine of “America First” at the center of US foreign policy, reshaping Washingtons engagement with al...