US–India Partnership Based on Mutual Interests, Not Charity: Christopher Landau at Raisina Dialogue

Highlighting the broader outlook of the Trump Administration, Christopher Landau sought to clarify how the “America First” principle shapes the country’s approach to global alliances. He said he would first speak generally about the administration’s foreign policy perspective and then focus specifically on United States–India relations, which he noted would serve as a practical example of the ideas he outlined in his broader remarks.

Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, on Thursday emphasized the strategic depth of the United States–India relations, describing the current period as a critical moment for strengthening bilateral ties. Speaking at the opening session titled “Power, Purpose and Partnership: U.S. Foreign Policy in a New Era” during the Raisina Dialogue, Landau addressed the audience hosted by the Observer Research Foundation. He said he felt honored to be in India and thanked the organization as well as the Government of India, noting that such dialogues are important—especially at a pivotal stage in U.S.–India relations.

Outlining the broader outlook of the Trump Administration, Landau explained how the “America First” principle guides Washington’s approach to international partnerships. He said he would first discuss the administration’s overall foreign policy vision and then focus specifically on the U.S.–India partnership as an example of how those principles are applied in practice.

Addressing common misconceptions about the policy, Landau clarified that “America First” does not mean “America alone.” He stressed that cooperation with other countries remains an important way to achieve U.S. objectives. According to him, the administration views national interest as a principle shared by sovereign nations. Just as Donald Trump seeks to “Make America Great Again,” Landau said it is natural for leaders such as Narendra Modi to pursue similar goals for their own countries.

Highlighting India’s growing influence on the global stage, Landau said the trajectory of the 21st century will be closely linked with India’s rise. He noted that India, as the world’s most populous country, possesses immense human and economic potential that will play a major role in shaping the future global order.

He further stressed that the U.S.–India partnership is driven by mutual benefit rather than charity. According to Landau, Washington sees many “win-win” opportunities in working more closely with New Delhi. Reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the relationship, he said he was not in India for symbolic gestures or goodwill alone, but because deeper cooperation between the two countries serves the national interests of both sides.