The Great Power Rivalry: Why the US Needs India More Than Ever

The US-China rivalry is the defining dynamic of the 21st century. In this rivalry, India is the prize. The US views India as the only democratic country with the size and location to balance China. That’s why we get strategic waivers (like for the S-400 deal) and high-level visits. But this relationship has a ceiling. The US still views India as a partner, not an ally like NATO. Why? Because India refuses to be a ‘junior partner.’ We want strategic autonomy. The US wants a reliable partner who will follow the rules. Sometimes these clash. However, the trend is clear: the Indo-Pacific alliance is strengthening. We are doing more joint patrols, sharing more intelligence, and aligning on technology. It’s not a marriage; it’s a very convenient, mutually beneficial arrangement. And for now, it works for both sides.