A leading voice in Washington has sounded the alarm on decelerating India-US security engagements, particularly the Quad alliance and 2+2 ministerial dialogues. Mark Warner, influential Chairman of the US Senate Intelligence Committee, shared these insights in an IANS exclusive, blaming heightened bilateral tensions for undermining Indo-Pacific confidence measures.
Trump’s second term has ushered in a new era of uncertainty, with Warner lamenting the lack of priority on longstanding diplomatic tracks. These frameworks, he stressed, are labor-intensive but yield vital incremental progress. ‘Neglecting them is a marathon-level mistake,’ he told IANS, referencing Quad interactions among the US, India, Japan, and Australia.
The slowdown mirrors deeper relational strains, Warner observed. Surface-level military advancements via Quad exercises are positive, yet Washington’s spotty commitment fuels doubts. Alarmingly, allies whispering that China offers greater dependability rattles him. ‘If India starts thinking we can’t be trusted, that’s a red flag for our partnerships everywhere.’
Disrespect toward allies corrodes credibility, he warned, extending beyond India. Amid China’s assertive regional maneuvers, unwavering dialogue through Quad and 2+2 is indispensable for security, supply chains, and equilibrium.
India views these platforms as linchpins for navigating power shifts, maintaining independence, and enhancing targeted defense links. Warner’s interview serves as a clarion call: recommit to these mechanisms to fortify alliances against emerging threats.