India-US Ties Face Toughest Test in 2026 Amid Trump, China Factor & Stalled Trade

• India's foreign policy faces its "most exacting stress test" in 2026, driven by a fraught relationship with the US, stalled trade talks, and Donald Trump's unpredictability.
• Former ambassadors Rajiv Bhatia, Ashok Sajjanhar, and Ashok Kantha state the India-US relationship is now shaped by deeper political and security calculations linked to China and the Indo-Pacific.
• Trade talks are stalled, reflecting a fundamental shift where India's role in the Indo-Pacific and its position in Asia are part of Washington's broader strategic calculus.
• Trust between India and the US has "severely eroded" due to Trump's actions, necessitating India's measured response and diversification of economic partnerships.
• 2026 will be a defining year for India's strategic autonomy, demanding sharper clarity and tougher decisions amidst a complex global environment.

Why It Matters: India's foreign policy faces a critical test in 2026, navigating complex US ties, China, and strategic autonomy.