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  "authors": [
    "Ashley J. Tellis"
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    "Carnegie Endowment for International Peace"
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Source: Getty

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The U.S.-India Relationship Under Trump and Modi

The future of the U.S.-India relationship under Trump and Modi is unclear, but both countries should move beyond irritants that divide them and instead focus on practical cooperation.

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By Ashley J. Tellis
Published on May 15, 2017
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The South Asia Program informs policy debates relating to the region’s security, economy, and political development. From strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific to India’s internal dynamics and U.S. engagement with the region, the program offers in-depth, rigorous research and analysis on South Asia’s most critical challenges.

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Source: Georgetown University

Speaking at Georgetown University, Carnegie’s Ashley J. Tellis discussed U.S.-India ties under Trump and Modi. After arguing that the situation is still unclear, he examined three propositions for how the relationship may take shape.

First, he said, it is possible that the world is facing the end of relations centered on strategic altruism. Tellis argued that, for decades, the United States has focused on transforming relations with India on the presumption that a strong India was in American national interest. This worldview may be coming to an end.

Second, Tellis said that, for necessary geopolitical reasons, the relationship will likely persist, but with more irritants. Disagreements over U.S.-Indian economic ties and domestic problems within India will potentially prevent the United states from being as committed to a strong relationship as India.

Third, whether or not the relationship accelerates depends on President Trump and the executive branch, Tellis said. He added that he hopes Washington and New Delhi can find ways to engage in practical measures, like defense cooperation, to secure a stable Asia.

This talk was originally given at Georgetown University.

About the Author

Ashley J. Tellis

Former Senior Fellow

Ashley J. Tellis was a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

    Recent Work

  • Paper
    Multipolar Dreams, Bipolar Realities: India’s Great Power Future

      Ashley J. Tellis

  • Commentary
    India Sees Opportunity in Trump’s Global Turbulence. That Could Backfire.

      Ashley J. Tellis

Ashley J. Tellis
Former Senior Fellow
Foreign PolicyNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth AsiaIndia

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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