Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Landau said Washington is keen to deepen cooperation with India but will avoid repeating past policy choices that, in the US view, allowed competitors to gain a commercial edge.
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“India should understand that we’re not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago in terms of saying, Oh, you know, we’re going to let you, be able to develop all these markets,’ and then the next thing we know, you’re beating us in a lot of commercial things. 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.”
‘America First’ does not mean acting alone
Landau also addressed concerns that the current US administration’s “America First” approach could signal a retreat from international partnerships. He argued that the strategy does not exclude cooperation with other countries.
“America First obviously does not mean America alone, because one of the ways that you can accomplish those objectives is through cooperation with other countries.”
He added that prioritising national interest is a principle shared by governments across the world.”So just as President 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,” the Deputy Secretary of State remarked during the session.
US sees India’s rise shaping the century
Despite the caution on trade, Landau said Washington views India as a central partner in shaping the global order in the coming decades.
“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 stated.
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He pointed to India’s demographic and economic strengths as key reasons behind the US interest in strengthening the partnership.
“And it’s in our interest, and we think it’s also in India’s interest, to be partnered. This is a country of all its potential. It’s now the world’s most populous country. It has incredible economic, human, and other resources that make it one of the countries that’s going to decide the future of this century,” he added.
Partnership driven by mutual interest
Landau made it clear that the relationship between the two countries is driven by strategic and economic interests on both sides rather than altruism.
“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. And again, 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.”
According to Landau, Washington sees multiple opportunities where cooperation between the two economies could produce mutual gains.
Trade deal nearing completion
The US official also offered an optimistic update on ongoing trade negotiations, suggesting that talks between the two countries are approaching a conclusion.
“We are very excited about the trade deal that is almost at the finish line now.”
Earlier this year, India and the United States announced a framework for an interim agreement aimed at reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade. The move reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to pursuing a broader Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) launched by US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.