The United States needs to forge a significantly stronger partnership with India, according to James C. Lawler, a former senior CIA officer and head of its Counter-Proliferation Division. Lawler described the enduring hesitations in US-India relations as a ‘big puzzle’ in American foreign policy, particularly given the strong compatibility of their national interests.
In an interview, Lawler expressed his long-standing observation that despite shared democratic values and economic aspirations, India and the US have never fully solidified their bond. He pointed to vibrant economies and the intellectual contributions of the Indian diaspora in America as key strengths that should underpin a deeper alliance. ‘We have vibrant economies. A lot of ethnic Indians are among our brightest people here in America,’ Lawler stated.
He argued that two democracies, both increasingly embracing capitalist principles, should not maintain a distance. Lawler believes that instead of being ‘standoffish,’ the US and India could achieve greater collective influence and security by working in concert. He also expressed personal interest in visiting India.
Lawler’s remarks resonate as US-India relations have seen various dynamics, including periods of trade friction and differing stances on global energy and geopolitical issues. He suggested that outdated geopolitical perspectives, such as those stemming from the Cold War era and India’s past relations with the Soviet Union, should be re-evaluated. He specifically proposed increasing technology transfers to India and identified potential avenues for enhanced cooperation arising from recent global events. The strategic challenge presented by China, Lawler emphasized, is a critical factor driving the imperative for a stronger US-India alignment.