Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the dramatic shift in US-India relations, highlighting how the once strong alliance has faced significant challenges due to changing US policies, particularly under the Trump administration, leading India to seek closer ties with the EU [1][3][5][7]. Group 1: Historical Context - Since the late 1990s, US policy towards India has been based on strategic altruism, aimed at countering China's rise, with India seen as a key partner [1]. - The Bush administration broke international norms to support India, including lifting sanctions related to nuclear tests and enhancing defense cooperation [1]. - The Obama administration further solidified this relationship by designating India as a major defense partner and facilitating military sales [1]. Group 2: Shift Under Trump Administration - The turning point in US-India relations occurred during Trump's presidency, which adopted an "America First" policy that contradicted previous strategic support for India [3][5]. - In April 2025, the Trump administration implemented a reciprocal tariff policy, imposing a 25% tariff on Indian exports due to India's unwillingness to compromise on agricultural trade [3]. - Trump's administration also targeted India's service sector by drastically increasing H-1B visa fees, which affected India's ability to send skilled workers to the US [5]. Group 3: India's Response - In response to US pressures, the Modi government shifted its focus towards the EU, recognizing the complementary economic structures and potential for cooperation in various sectors [5][7]. - India aims to expand agricultural and manufacturing exports to the EU to offset losses from the US and is actively pursuing collaboration in technology sectors like AI and renewable energy [5][7]. - This strategic pivot reflects India's long-standing non-alignment policy and the desire to maintain strategic autonomy, avoiding over-reliance on the US [7]. Group 4: Future Implications - The article suggests that while the US-India alliance may not be completely broken, it has entered a phase where competition outweighs cooperation, driven by the decline of US influence and India's rising ambitions [7]. - The pressures from the Trump administration have made India more aware of the importance of diplomatic diversification and strategic independence [7].