New Delhi, September 18: Former US National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster has said the long-term trajectory of India-US relations remains linked to shared democratic values, economic interests and concerns over China, despite differences between the two countries.
In an interview with media, McMaster said India should have confidence in the United States and argued that Washington should not pressure New Delhi to take sides against Russia or withdraw from groupings such as BRICS.
“I think we should not worry about that as much and have faith that really the long-term future is in favour of the India-US relationship,” McMaster said.
McMaster, who served as National Security Advisor during Donald Trump’s first administration, said the strategic partnership between India and the US was also shaped by their assessment of China.
He said the relationship should be based on sovereignty and that the US and India shared an interest in maintaining their respective strategic independence.
McMaster also highlighted India’s population, economic potential and role in addressing global challenges related to food, energy and water security. He said market-based solutions developed in India could have wider applications globally.
On Pakistan, McMaster said the US had at times been reluctant to recognise what he described as Pakistan’s support for militant groups. He said tensions between India and Pakistan were unlikely to ease in the near term and argued that this could further influence India-US strategic cooperation.
McMaster acknowledged that differences over trade and expectations have created tensions in bilateral ties. Referring to President Trump’s focus on reciprocity and trade, he said greater trust would be needed between New Delhi and Washington.
He also cited concerns within India about both abandonment and entanglement as factors affecting the relationship.
McMaster said patience and confidence in the shared interests of the two countries would be important in navigating future differences. He also pointed to the Indian diaspora in the US and its family and social links with India as another connection between the two countries.
Despite what he described as “bumps in the road”, McMaster said shared interests would continue to draw India and the US closer.