Recent developments in India-US relations compel any informed Indian to reflect. On one hand, the US describes itself as India’s “strategic partner,” yet on the other, it imposes a series of conditions on India. There is pressure on every front—tariffs, visas, oil, defense, and trade. The question arises: is this a partnership, or is it subjugation?
The US is continuously pressuring India to oust the BJP from power at the Centre and is tarnishing the party’s reputation.
The US raised H-1B visa fees from the $2,000–$5,000 range to $100,000—a twentyfold increase. Since Indian nationals hold over 70% of H-1B visas, the implication is clear: this is a direct blow to Indian professionals.
Trump himself acknowledged that H-1B registrations by major IT companies plummeted by 92% following the 2025 fee hike. The consequences have been significant: it has become difficult for Indian students to go to the US, small companies have stopped providing sponsorship, and Indian talent is now turning towards the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Starlink and Ambani: Corporate War
Elon Musk launched a direct attack on Mukesh Ambani. He referred to Ambani as the “real boss of India” and alleged that Ambani is blocking Starlink’s entry into the country. Musk wrote on X, “Sorry, I didn’t know you were the real boss of India. Will you allow Starlink to compete?”
The Indian government dismissed Musk’s allegations. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that India does not permit monopolies in any sector. However, the reality is that all three satellite companies—Starlink, Jio Satcom, and OneWeb—are stuck at the same stage, awaiting security clearance.
We will not repeat China’s mistake.
This is the most shocking revelation. In March 2026, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau visited New Delhi. According to reports, he told Indian officials that the US would curb India’s economic growth through tariffs and sanctions. His alleged statement was: “We made a mistake by turning China into an economic superpower. We will not repeat the same mistake with India.”
Former Indian intelligence officer Vikram Sood cited this statement. Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov called it a “Freudian slip” and stated that it exposes the US’s true intentions.
Is this a change of regime?
An important question arises here: Is America trying to topple the government in India? The direct answer is—yes, America is orchestrating a regime change in India. It wants the Modi government to fall; it wants the Modi government to operate on its terms. In international politics, this is called “coercive diplomacy.” America wants to subdue India.It wants India not to buy oil from Russia, to purchase American goods, to provide market access to American companies, and to support American foreign policy.
The Impending Crisis
Looking ahead, India faces four major challenges:
First, energy security. India imports 90% of its oil requirements; pressure to halt Russian oil imports would directly impact the Indian economy.
Second, the threat of AI. India’s greatest strength—its IT services sector—is facing a challenge from AI. The government’s Economic Survey itself has warned that the AI crisis could be worse than the 2008 financial crisis.
Third, the withdrawal of foreign investment. In 2026, foreign investors sold Indian shares worth $295 billion. This represents a crisis of confidence.
Fourth, internal fissures. Ethnic violence (such as in Manipur), attacks on minorities, and social tensions are weakening the country from within.
conclusion
The US is certainly weakening India. It wants India to remain a subservient ally, abide by its terms, and never dare to challenge it. This is not a partnership; it is subjugation.
The real challenge for India is to safeguard its sovereignty, determine its own foreign policy, and chart its own course without yielding to any pressure. As The Indian Express wrote: “No superpower paves the way for a future rival. If India is to become a superpower of the 21st century, it must rely on its own strength, not on international goodwill.”
