Two Americas On India? Trump Wavers As Pentagon Doubles Down On Delhi Against China

Is America drifting away from India? Or is the Pentagon quietly betting bigger than ever on New Delhi? As Donald Trump sends mixed signals on tariffs, Pakistan and China, top US officials are delivering a very different message. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has described India as a "critical anchor" for regional stability, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called India one of America's most important strategic partners. Behind the headlines lies a larger geopolitical story. The Pentagon wants India to emerge as the dominant security power in the Indian Ocean. The Quad wants India at the heart of critical mineral and supply chain networks. And Washington increasingly sees India's rise as essential to balancing Beijing. From defence co-production to maritime strategy, this is the story of why America's institutions continue to back India, regardless of who occupies the White House.