India US trade relations, 2025 economic partnerships, Indo-American trust rebuilding, bilateral trade negotiations, US India diplomatic ties

India & the US will arrive at a trade deal. It has to happen and will happen. But Indian trust of the US is now back to 1998 levels. Trump and his attack dogs have done a quarter century of damage to relations. No defence deal will sweeten this. New path.

• Check out these discounted items on Amazon

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) August 23, 2025

Understanding the Current state of India-US Relations: A 2025 Perspective

In recent years, the relationship between India and the United States has experienced significant fluctuations. A recent tweet by Shiv Aroor highlights the critical nature of this relationship, indicating that while a trade deal between the two nations is inevitable, the trust that India places in the US has plummeted to levels reminiscent of 1998. This summary aims to explore the factors contributing to the current state of India-US relations, the implications of this trust deficit, and the prospects for future collaboration.

Historical Context of India-US Relations

The relationship between India and the United States has evolved over the decades, witnessing both highs and lows. The nuclear tests conducted by India in 1998 marked a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, leading to a cooling of diplomatic ties. While efforts were made to mend these ties in the early 2000s, the dynamics have shifted again in recent years, particularly under the trump administration.

The Impact of the Trump Administration

Shiv Aroor’s tweet underscores the long-term damage inflicted on India-US relations during the Trump presidency. The administration’s aggressive stance on trade, immigration, and foreign policy has contributed to a growing sentiment of distrust in India. The perception of the US as an unreliable partner has been exacerbated by the "America First" ideology, which often sidelined global alliances and partnerships.

The tweet suggests that no defense deal, regardless of its potential benefits, can offset the erosion of trust that has occurred. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among Indian policymakers and citizens about the reliability of the US as a partner in various domains, including defense, trade, and technology.

The Current Trade Landscape

Despite the underlying tensions, the economic interdependence between India and the US cannot be overlooked. Both countries stand to gain significantly from a robust trade agreement. As one of the world’s largest economies, the US offers a vast market for Indian goods and services, while India provides the US with a strategic base for manufacturing and technological innovation.

A trade deal is not just desirable but necessary for both nations. It could facilitate greater access to each other’s markets, enhance collaboration in various sectors, and address existing trade imbalances. However, achieving such an agreement will require careful navigation of the current distrust.

Rebuilding Trust: A New Path Forward

Aroor’s assertion that "a new path" is required for India-US relations highlights the urgency for both countries to recalibrate their diplomatic strategies. Rebuilding trust will be a gradual process, necessitating open dialogues and a commitment to mutual respect.

1. Bilateral Engagement: Increased engagement at various levels—government, business, and cultural—can help bridge the trust deficit. Regular high-level meetings, trade delegations, and cultural exchanges can foster a better understanding between the two nations.
2. Addressing Concerns: The US must address India’s concerns regarding trade policies and immigration. By adopting a more collaborative approach, the US can demonstrate its commitment to a fair and equitable partnership.
3. Defense Collaboration: While Aroor suggests that defense deals alone will not mend the rift, they remain essential. Transparent communication regarding defense agreements and joint military exercises can build confidence and strengthen ties.
4. Shared Values and Goals: Emphasizing shared democratic values and collaborative goals—such as climate change, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism—can provide a foundation for renewed cooperation.
   

   The Future of India-US Relations
   

   Looking ahead, the possibility of an India-US trade deal remains strong, but it will require concerted efforts from both sides. The foundations of a successful partnership lie in mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to adapt to changing global dynamics.

   While the tweet from Aroor reflects a pessimistic view of the current state of relations, it also serves as a call to action. Both countries must prioritize rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

   Conclusion
   

   In summary, the relationship between India and the United States is at a crossroads. The potential for a trade deal exists, but it is overshadowed by a significant trust deficit that dates back to the late 1990s. The impact of the Trump administration has compounded these issues, making it crucial for both nations to adopt a new path toward collaboration.

   Rebuilding trust will require sustained efforts in engagement, addressing concerns, and emphasizing shared values. As both countries navigate the complexities of their relationship, the focus must remain on fostering a partnership that can withstand the challenges of an ever-evolving global landscape. By prioritizing trust and collaboration, India and the US can unlock the full potential of their bilateral relationship, benefiting not only their respective economies but also contributing to global stability and prosperity.

India & the US Will Arrive at a Trade Deal

The relationship between India and the United States has always been a topic of interest and complexity. Recently, a tweet by journalist Shiv Aroor sparked discussions around the future of this relationship, suggesting that “India & the US will arrive at a trade deal. It has to happen and will happen.” This sentiment resonates with many who believe that both countries stand to gain significantly from a comprehensive trade agreement. But what exactly does this mean for both nations moving forward?

It Has to Happen and Will Happen

The urgency for a trade deal between India and the US stems from a variety of economic factors. As the world’s largest democracies, both countries have immense potential for collaboration. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, India represents a significant market for American goods and services, while the US can provide India with cutting-edge technology and investment opportunities. The economic interdependence between these two nations is undeniable, and many analysts argue that a trade deal is not just desirable but essential for both parties.

Historically, trade agreements have led to greater economic growth and job creation. The potential for increased trade and investment could benefit sectors ranging from agriculture to technology. However, the question remains: how do both nations move past their recent diplomatic hurdles?

But Indian Trust of the US is Now Back to 1998 Levels

Shiv Aroor’s tweet sheds light on a significant concern: the trust deficit between India and the US. He notes that “Indian trust of the US is now back to 1998 levels.” This statement raises alarms, especially considering the progress made in the last two decades in terms of bilateral relations. The diplomatic landscape has shifted dramatically, and the trust that was painstakingly built over the years appears to have eroded.

This decline can be traced back to various political events and decisions, particularly during the Trump administration. The approach taken by Trump and his associates, as Aroor aptly puts it, has “done a quarter century of damage to relations.” The policies and rhetoric that dominated the Trump era often alienated allies and strained international relationships, leading to skepticism among Indian officials regarding US intentions.

Trump and His Attack Dogs Have Done a Quarter Century of Damage to Relations

The fallout from the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy cannot be overstated. The unpredictability and often aggressive stance taken by Trump and his supporters created a climate of uncertainty. Issues such as trade tariffs, immigration policies, and international agreements were handled in ways that left many allies feeling vulnerable.

For India, this meant reassessing its relationship with the US. The shift in perception is evident in various sectors, from defense to trade. Despite the historical ties and shared democratic values, the trust that once existed has been significantly challenged.

No Defense Deal Will Sweeten This

One of the most contentious points in the India-US relationship has been defense agreements. While many believe that a strong defense partnership could lead to improved relations, Aroor argues that “no defense deal will sweeten this.” This perspective highlights a critical issue: trust cannot be built solely on military cooperation or strategic partnerships.

India seeks a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding, rather than one that is transactional or purely militaristic. Defense agreements should complement broader economic and diplomatic engagements rather than serve as a band-aid for deeper issues.

New Path

So, what does the future hold for the India-US relationship? Aroor’s tweet suggests a “new path” is necessary. This new path requires a collaborative approach that prioritizes building trust and addressing the underlying concerns that have strained relations. Both countries need to engage in open dialogues, focusing on shared interests, values, and long-term goals.

For many, this new approach means moving beyond past grievances and recognizing the potential benefits of a strong partnership. Trade deals, investment opportunities, and technological collaborations can pave the way for a more robust relationship, but they must be grounded in trust and transparency.

In conclusion, the journey toward a trade deal between India and the US may be fraught with challenges, but the potential benefits are too significant to ignore. As both nations navigate their complex relationship, the focus should remain on rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration. The future is bright, but it will require commitment and effort from both sides to ensure that the next chapter in their relationship is a positive one.

In the end, both nations can thrive through cooperation and mutual respect, setting the stage for a prosperous future. By recognizing the historical context and working towards a brighter tomorrow, India and the US can indeed arrive at a trade deal that benefits both parties.

trade relations India US, India US economic partnership, trust issues India US, India US diplomatic ties, future of India US trade, India US trade agreement 2025, rebuilding India US relations, impact of Trump on India US ties, India US strategic cooperation, trade negotiations India US, India US bilateral trade deal, Indian perspective on US relations, economic growth India US, India US trade deal prospects, new era India US partnership, India US trust deficit, overcoming trade barriers India US, India US foreign policy changes, fostering India US collaboration, India US relations history