India and the United States are often portrayed as strategic partners—two democracies standing shoulder-to-shoulder on issues of security, trade, and technology. However, a closer look at history and recent events raises an uncomfortable question: Has the US ever truly acted as a friend or ally of India?
While diplomatic niceties and strategic agreements continue to shape the narrative, certain geopolitical actions and decisions by the United States suggest otherwise.
1. 1971 Indo-Pak War: A Betrayal in Broad Daylight
One of the most glaring examples is the 1971 Indo-Pak war. While India was involved in a humanitarian and political mission to liberate Bangladesh from West Pakistani atrocities, the United States, under President Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, chose to side with Pakistan.
Despite overwhelming evidence of the genocide in East Pakistan, the US continued to support Pakistan—militarily and diplomatically. The deployment of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet to the Bay of Bengal was not just a show of force but a direct threat to India’s sovereignty. It was a moment that revealed where America’s true interests lay—not with justice or democracy, but with Cold War geopolitics.
2. Continued Support to Pakistan: Loans, Arms, and Apologies
Even in the face of terrorism, US policy has often leaned towards appeasement of Pakistan. Decades of IMF bailouts, military equipment, and intelligence cooperation have kept the Pakistani military complex running.
In 2025, after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India mourned its dead—but the US invited Pakistan’s army chief for a luncheon and reaffirmed its defense ties. There was no strong condemnation. No solidarity. Just a carefully curated diplomatic silence.
3. Contradictory Oil Diplomacy: Biden vs. Trump
India’s purchase of Russian oil during the Ukraine conflict brought out two very different US reactions, both equally self-serving.
- Under President Biden, India was urged to continue buying Russian oil to help “maintain global market stability.” The logic? US needed a stable oil price environment while it focused on the Ukraine war.
- Under President Trump, India was threatened with 50% tariffs on exports to the US as punishment for doing the exact same thing—buying Russian oil.
When interests align, India is tolerated. When they don’t, India is punished. This isn’t partnership; it’s transactional diplomacy at best.
4. Proxy Wars: Ukraine and Gaza
The US has repeatedly engaged in or supported proxy wars across the globe—Ukraine and Gaza being the latest examples. Billions of dollars in weapons, intelligence, and political support have been pumped into these conflicts, often under the guise of protecting democracy or defending freedom.
But the truth is stark: these wars sustain the US military-industrial complex—a multi-trillion-dollar machine that thrives on conflict. For India, a country focused on growth, peace, and stability, this pattern is concerning. Is the US exporting peace or merely managing chaos to its advantage?
5. The Harsh Truth: Allies Don’t Create Dependency
The US has consistently tried to position itself as a “big brother” to India—expecting loyalty while offering little in return. Whether it’s refusing to share critical technologies, blocking India’s membership in key global forums, or undermining India’s energy security, the pattern is clear.
Allies share risk, respect sovereignty, and support each other in crises. But time and again, the US has chosen realpolitik over relationship.
Conclusion: Time for India to Rethink “Strategic Partnership”
India must engage with the United States—but with clear eyes and a strong spine. Friendship must be based on mutual respect, not manipulation. India’s geopolitical identity cannot be outsourced to Washington’s war room.
As the world moves toward multipolarity, India must remember:
A true ally does not threaten, punish, or abandon you in your hour of need. And by that measure, the US-India relationship has never been one of true friendship—only convenience.
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