A prominent former CIA officer is calling for a dramatic strengthening of the United States’ relationship with India. James C. Lawler, who previously headed the agency’s Counter-Proliferation Division, asserts that the two democracies share fundamentally aligned interests and values, making a robust partnership both logical and necessary. Lawler expressed his long-standing confusion over why the US and India have not historically maintained closer ties, given their common ground.
“I think sometimes American foreign policy is a big puzzle,” Lawler stated, emphasizing his belief that the US needs a far stronger connection with India. He highlighted the dynamism of both economies and the intellectual capital provided by the Indian diaspora in the United States. Lawler posited that shared democratic governance and similar economic trajectories, with India embracing more capitalist policies, should naturally lead to greater cooperation rather than mutual distance.
These remarks come at a time when the India-US relationship has experienced fluctuations. Previous diplomatic friction points included trade disputes and concerns over India’s energy procurement from Russia, as well as differing accounts of past geopolitical interventions. India has consistently asserted its sovereignty in foreign policy decisions and its commitment to resolving issues with Pakistan bilaterally.
During his extensive career with the CIA, Lawler found the historical hesitancy in Indo-US relations difficult to fully comprehend. He pointed to India’s past ties with the Soviet Union and its reliance on Russian military equipment as contributing factors. He suggested that the US could significantly enhance cooperation by supplying India with more advanced technology. The recent trend of Indian firms scaling back Russian oil purchases, according to Lawler, presents a new opportunity for deeper engagement.
Lawler underscored that both nations face significant common strategic challenges, notably from China. He urged a shift away from past geopolitical alignments, advocating for a focus on shared interests that can bolster the collective power and influence of the US and India.