US 'America First' Policy Slashes Indian Exports, Strains Strategic Ties

The Trump administration's 2025 "America First" policies have severely strained Indo-US relations, with high reciprocal tariffs and a hefty H-1B visa fee damaging trade and economic ties, prompting India to push for self-reliance and diversify supply chains away from the US. This approach reflects a broader shift away from globalist strategies toward a geopolitical reality of regional powers balancing within their spheres, as underscored by the Pentagon's new National Defense Strategy prioritizing homeland defense over global military containment. Despite criticism of Trump's style, his challenge to the bipartisan foreign policy consensus has been seen as a necessary correction to protect American interests. Meanwhile, debates on US foreign engagement highlight the need for smart, accountable aid programs that enhance national security and global stability rather than wholesale retreat, with successful examples like PEPFAR demonstrating effective foreign assistance. Concerns about reckless rhetoric in foreign policy, exemplified by a Trinidadian minister's controversial statements, underscore the importance of disciplined diplomacy for small states navigating complex international relations. Overall, the current US approach emphasizes prioritizing strategic national interests while managing delicate international partnerships and regional dynamics.