US Needs India’s Support to Counter China’s Influence in Indo-Pacific, Says Former Adviser

During an interview with Fox News, Mary Kissel, a former senior adviser to ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, stressed that the United States must work in partnership with India to effectively confront China's expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific. She remarked that the economic tensions, particularly arising from the US imposing a 50% tariff on Indian imports—including an additional tariff due to India's acquisition of Russian crude oil—highlight the need for a robust collaboration between the two nations.

Kissel emphasized that if the US views Communist China as the most significant threat to its interests and lifestyle, then forging a strong partnership with India is essential. During the recent 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council summit in Tianjin, Prime Minister Modi held important discussions with both President Putin and President Jinping, underlining the relevance of India's and China's economic roles in stabilizing global trade.

Additionally, Modi expressed the enduring relationship between India and Russia, emphasizing their mutual support even in challenging situations. Kissel asserted that India's involvement in the SCO summit presents a notable challenge for US policymakers, particularly the Trump administration, as it grapples with China's assertiveness. She underscored that strong cooperation is needed not only from regional allies like Australia and Japan but also from India to maintain balance in the Asia-Pacific region.