Archive · 25 Sep 2025
US-India Relations: Shifting Priorities and Trade Tensions
The US is changing its view of India because it sees China as an economic, not a geopolitical, rival.
The US is concerned about India buying oil from Russia.
New fees on H-1B visas may reflect this shift.
Discussions involve tariffs on trade, and the US wants India to buy less Russian oil.
India is trying to maintain a good relationship, focusing on long-term interests, despite the tension.
US views India with less priority, seeing China as its primary economic competitor.
Trade negotiations involve discussion of tariffs on industrial goods.
The US wants India to reduce its purchase of Russian oil.
The $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions signals possible changes.
India is carefully balancing its relationship with the US.
- Who
- US and Indian Officials
- What
- Debating trade, tariffs and oil purchases.
- When
- Ongoing; Discussions in recent months.
- Where
- Primarily United States
- Why
- To address trade issues, tariffs, and India's oil purchases from Russia.
US View
Indian View
Priority
US View
Views India with less priority than before.
Indian View
Made a deliberate decision not to respond to Trump’s provocativeness with provocations of its own, to maintain the U.S.–India relationship.
Russian Oil
US View
Wants India to cease or greatly reduce purchases of Russian oil.
Indian View
Has already moved to diversify its energy sources and reduced its purchases.
- Key Figure
- Ashley Tellis, Senior Fellow at Carnegie Endowment
- US Stance on China
- Economic Rival, not geopolitical
- Key Issue
- Trade, Tariffs, and Russian Oil Purchases
- H-1B Visa
- Fees added
- Indian Response
- Restrained, focused on long-term relationship
Sources
Shashi Tharoor urges ‘silent’ Indian-Americans to speak up amid H-1B visa fee hike, 50% tariffs, ‘if you care …’
Opinion | When Silence Becomes Betrayal: Tharoor’s Call To The US Desi Diaspora
Indian team to stay in US till week-end to resolve trade issues
