Indo-US Relations during Trump's Presidency and its Impact on Pakistan

Abstract

During President Donald Trump’s tenure (2017–2021), Indo-US relations witnessed unprecedented growth, marked by deeper strategic and economic cooperation. The Trump administration considered India as a crucial partner in its Indo-Pacific policy, boosting bilateral defense accords, intelligence-sharing systems, and military collaboration. India was classified as a Major Defense Partner, permitting high-end military purchases and bilateral military exercises, such as the Malabar Naval Exercise. This alignment was not merely limited to security; economic collaborations also expanded, with both nations working to enhance trade relations, reduce tariffs, and increase investment flows. The rising convergence between Washington and New Delhi was primarily motivated by mutual worries about China's development, promoting stronger connections in technology, commerce, and regional security frameworks. The strengthening of Indo-US relations had direct implications for Pakistan, as the strategic balance in South Asia tilted further in India’s favor. The Trump administration took a harder attitude against Pakistan, notably on its counterterrorism efforts and suspected backing for terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan and Kashmir. Consequently, military aid to Pakistan was significantly reduced, and Islamabad faced diplomatic isolation in several international forums. Additionally, India’s growing economic and military ties with the United States empowered New Delhi’s regional influence, which heightened Pakistan’s security concerns. These developments forced Pakistan to seek alternative alliances, deepening its strategic and economic partnership with China, especially through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan’s response to these shifting geopolitical dynamics was multifaceted, as it sought to reposition itself in the evolving power structure of South Asia. To counterbalance India’s rising influence, Islamabad intensified its engagements with China, Russia, and Turkey, forging stronger economic and defense collaborations. Additionally, Pakistan worked to strengthen its position within multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to diversify its diplomatic and economic dependencies. Furthermore, the Pakistani leadership initiated counterterrorism measures and policy reforms to improve its global standing and avoid economic sanctions. Despite these efforts, the Indo-US strategic alignment continued to present challenges for Pakistan, forcing it to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape while safeguarding its national security and economic stability.

Keywords

Indo-US Relations , Trump Administration , Strategic Partnership , Defense Cooperation , Economic Engagement , Pakistan Foreign Policy , Geopolitical Shifts , CPEC