US-India relations have evolved dramatically since India’s independence in 1947, marked by periods of strategic alignment, economic cooperation, and significant friction. While bilateral ties have deepened in areas like defense, trade, and technology—reaching over $200 billion in annual trade by 2025—the relationship has often been strained by perceptions in India of US “ditching” or “bullying.” These include instances where the US prioritized other alliances, imposed sanctions, or applied economic pressure, often justified by Washington as advancing its geopolitical or nonproliferation goals. This overview traces key milestones, drawing on verified historical and contemporary sources, while balancing India’s perspective of sidelined interests with US rationales like Cold War containment or trade reciprocity. Despite tensions, resilience persists through frameworks like the Quad and I2U2.

Early Years: Non-Alignment and Cold War Pressures (1947–1960s)

India’s adoption of non-alignment under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru clashed with US efforts to build anti-communist alliances. In 1947, as India gained independence, the US viewed its neutral stance suspiciously amid the emerging Cold War. By 1955, the US supported Pakistan through the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), arming India’s rival and leaving New Delhi feeling sidelined.

Nehru’s 1949 US visit highlighted early strains: President Harry Truman urged India to align against communism, but India refused. US Ambassador Henry Grady remarked that India “can’t straddle” the divide, exemplifying perceived US pressure on India’s sovereignty.

A brief high came during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, when the US provided arms and intelligence against China, a mutual adversary. However, post-war, ties cooled as India’s relations with the Soviet Union strengthened.

Heightened Tensions: Wars, Sanctions, and Betrayals (1970s–1980s)

The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War marked a major low. The US, under President Richard Nixon, “tilted” toward Pakistan, deploying the USS Enterprise to the Bay of Bengal in a show of force perceived as intimidation by India. This “ditching” deepened mistrust, prompting India to sign a friendship treaty with the USSR.

India’s 1974 nuclear test triggered US sanctions, cutting off nuclear aid and technology under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act (NNPA) of 1978. President Jimmy Carter’s visit that year demanded inspections of India’s nuclear facilities, which New Delhi rejected, leading to further aid cuts. India saw this as hypocritical bullying, especially as Pakistan’s nuclear program faced less scrutiny initially.

The 1984 Bhopal disaster, where a US-owned Union Carbide plant leaked gas killing over 5,000, exacerbated resentment. India’s extradition request for CEO Warren Anderson was denied by the US, viewed in India as prioritizing corporate interests over justice.

Economic Opening and Nuclear Frictions (1990s–2000s)

India’s 1991 economic reforms liberalized markets, fostering US investment and ties. However, its 1998 nuclear tests prompted fresh sanctions under President Bill Clinton, who recalled the US ambassador and restricted exports. India felt targeted for asserting strategic autonomy, contrasting with US leniency toward allies.

Clinton’s 2000 visit reset relations, and post-9/11, India supported US counterterrorism efforts. The 2005 US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement under President George W. Bush ended India’s nuclear pariah status, boosting cooperation in energy and defense.

Modern Era: Alliances Amid Diplomatic Rows (2010s–2020)

The 2013 arrest of Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in New York on visa fraud charges sparked outrage in India, seen as humiliating treatment and an overreach. It strained ties temporarily amid growing defense partnerships.

During President Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021), relations deepened: India was designated a Major Defense Partner in 2016, and Modi-Trump summits enhanced Quad cooperation against China. Yet, mixed signals abounded—Trump criticized India’s tariffs as abusive, mocked Modi’s accent, and called India “filthy” in a 2020 debate, frustrating New Delhi.

Recent Escalations: Tariffs and Geopolitical Shifts (2021–2025)

Post-2020 Galwan clashes with China, India-US ties strengthened under President Joe Biden, with increased intelligence sharing and joint exercises. However, Trump’s second term in 2025 has reignited tensions.

On July 31, 2025, Trump announced a 25% “reciprocal” tariff on Indian imports, effective August 7, to address trade imbalances—India’s tariffs on US goods like Harley-Davidson motorcycles had long irked him. An additional 25% penalty followed on August 6 for India’s continued imports of Russian oil amid the Ukraine war, totaling 50% duties starting August 27, 2025—the highest after Brazil. US rationale: Reducing trade deficits and pressuring allies to isolate Russia. India views this as economic bullying, disadvantaging exports like textiles and pharmaceuticals, though tariffs ultimately burden US consumers and aim to fund debt reduction.

Reports from German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung claim Trump attempted to contact Modi four times in recent weeks to discuss the issue, but Modi declined, signaling unease in Washington ahead of the tariff implementation and Modi’s potential SCO summit attendance in China. These remain unconfirmed but reflect souring ties.

Amid this, India has shown interest in reviving the Russia-India-China (RIC) trilateral, dormant since the 18th foreign ministers’ meeting in November 2021. A pivotal Modi-Xi bilateral in October 2024 at the BRICS summit in Kazan thawed relations, leading to agreements on resuming trade and border patrolling. Russia pushes for RIC revival as a counter to US pressures, though experts see it as a fragile “marriage of convenience” unlikely to endure due to India-China border disputes and India’s US alignments. India remains non-committal, hedging bets amid Trump’s policies.

Trump’s outreach to Pakistan and comments labeling India’s economy “dead” have further fueled perceptions of ditching. Yet, enduring elements like defense pacts suggest ties will weather the storm.

Key “Ditching/Bullying” Instances and Outlook

At least seven standout moments from India’s viewpoint:

• 1971: Pakistan tilt and naval threat.
• 1974/1998: Nuclear sanctions.
• 1978: Nonproliferation demands.
• 1984: Bhopal inaction.
• 2013: Diplomat arrest.
• 2025: Escalating tariffs and insults.

Despite these, US-India relations have grown resilient, with shared Indo-Pacific interests outweighing frictions. Future hinges on dialogue—India’s calculated restraint, potential retaliatory measures on US firms like Google or Pepsi, and global shifts could test but not break the partnership. Trust, however, remains hard-won.