The United States has signalled limits to how much it is willing to support India’s economic rise, even as both countries work toward finalising a trade agreement.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on March 5, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Washington would not repeat the economic concessions it once granted China two decades ago, which the U.S. now believes helped Beijing grow into a major economic competitor.
Landau said the U.S. would ensure that any economic cooperation with India remains fair to American interests, adding that Washington would avoid giving India unrestricted access to markets in a way that could later disadvantage U.S. businesses. At the same time, he said the U.S. recognises India’s “limitless potential” and wants to strengthen economic ties.
His remarks came amid ongoing trade negotiations between the two countries, Siasat Daily reported.
Recently, the U.S. reduced tariffs on Indian goods, lowering the base reciprocal tariff from 25% to 18% and removing an additional 25% penalty previously imposed over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
The comments sparked criticism from some quarters, with critics accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising India’s interests in negotiations with the U.S.
‘Posting the video of the Deputy Secretary of State on her X account, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate said, “US Dy Secy of State Christopher Landau said this on Indian Soil. Compromised PM’s surrender”
Another X user said, “India is not a country that needs anyone’s permission to grow or develop. We are a nation of 1.4 billion people, building our future through our own talent, hard work, innovation, and determination… For a foreign representative to openly suggest that India’s growth should be limited so that another country can remain ahead is not just arrogant, it is insulting to the spirit of an independent nation.”
“Our ‘ally’ telling us why it can’t be an ‘ally,” journalist Rahul Shivshankar said.