3 reasons why India-US tensions will continue in 2026

2025 has been a bruising year for the US-India relationship. Despite past optimism and declarations of a historic partnership, tensions have mounted under President Donald Trump’s return to power. A 50% tariff on Indian goods remains in place, a trade deal is still unfinished, and Washington’s renewed outreach to Pakistan has raised concerns in New Delhi. While both sides hope a future trade agreement and renewed Quad engagement could calm tempers, deeper structural challenges persist. From Trump’s “Make America Great Again” worldview and protectionist trade policies to a softer, more transactional approach toward China, the pillars that once underpinned US-India ties—trade and technology, strategic alignment against Beijing, and people-to-people connections—are under strain. The question now is whether the relationship can be repaired, or whether these tensions signal a more fundamental shift in Washington’s priorities. Watch the video for more