The Donald Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy places India at the center of the United States’ Indo-Pacific plans, framing New Delhi as a key partner in balancing China’s economic and military ambitions. The document says the United States must “continue to improve commercial (and other) relations with India” to strengthen regional security and deepen cooperation through the Quad.
The strategy warns that China’s influence over global supply chains and sea routes poses significant risks, arguing that preventing dominance in the South China Sea will require coordinated action “from India to Japan and beyond.” It also highlights India’s role in securing access to critical minerals and expanding technology partnerships.
The administration further claims credit for easing regional tensions, saying President Donald Trump “negotiated peace” between Pakistan and India. Overall, the strategy positions India as an essential economic, technological and security partner as the United States seeks to maintain what it calls a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”