‘Won’t Repeat the Mistakes Made With China’: US Official on India Trade Deal !
Prime Vista News
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau says Washington will prioritise American interests in the trade deal with India while emphasising deeper strategic and economic cooperation.
The United States will ensure that any trade agreement with India remains beneficial to American citizens, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on Thursday, stressing that Washington will not repeat the economic policy mistakes it believes were made with China two decades ago.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Landau underlined that while the United States values deeper cooperation with India, its primary responsibility is towards American interests.
‘Not the Same Mistakes as With China’
During his address, Landau said the US administration intends to adopt a more cautious approach while negotiating the trade agreement with India.
“India should understand that we’re not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago,” Landau said.
He emphasised that the US government must ensure that any agreement is fair to American citizens.
“We’re going to make sure that whatever we do, it’s fair to our people. Because ultimately, we have to be accountable to our own people, just as the government of India has to be accountable to its people.”
Trade Talks Between India and the US
Landau’s remarks come as India and the United States continue negotiations on a bilateral trade framework that both sides believe could significantly expand economic cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions are part of broader efforts to strengthen economic ties between the world’s two largest democracies.
‘America First Does Not Mean America Alone’
Addressing concerns around the US administration’s foreign policy stance, Landau clarified that the “America First” doctrine does not imply isolationism.
According to him, cooperation with other nations remains a key method of advancing national interests.
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Shared Principle of National Interest
Landau also pointed out that prioritising national interest is a common principle among sovereign nations.
He said world leaders naturally pursue policies that strengthen their own countries.
“So just as President Donald Trump wants to make America great again, he would expect the Prime Minister of India or other leaders to want to make their countries great again.”
India’s Rise in the 21st Century
The US official also highlighted India’s growing global importance, saying the country’s rise will significantly shape the political and economic trajectory of the 21st century.
“I think one of the things that is undeniable is that this century is going to be, in many ways, a century in which we expect to see the rise of India,” Landau said.
He noted that India’s demographic strength, economic potential and human resources place it among the nations that will influence the future global order.
Expanding Strategic Partnership
Reiterating Washington’s commitment to closer ties with New Delhi, Landau said the United States sees multiple “win-win situations” in strengthening the partnership.
“I want to highlight the importance of India as we look around the world in the 21st century and see what are the relationships that we really want to cultivate.”
He added that the engagement is driven by strategic and economic interests rather than symbolic diplomacy.
“I’m not here to do social work or charity. I’m here because it’s in the interest of our country, and we think it’s in the interest of India to deepen our partnership.”
Trade Deal ‘Near the Finish Line’
Providing an update on the negotiations, Landau indicated that both sides are close to finalising the agreement.
“We are very excited about the trade deal that is almost at the finish line now,” he said.
Earlier this year, India and the United States announced a framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade.
Both countries have also reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
