Brahma Chellaney, an expert on strategic affairs, said the Alaska summit signals a broader US strategic shift. “Trump now recognises that America’s own missteps have helped drive Russia closer to China, fueling a de facto alliance that poses the gravest threat to America’s global preeminence since the Cold War,” he said. Chellaney added that the shift could benefit India, as it reduces the likelihood of a closer Sino-Russian partnership that would be inimical to Indian interests.
Former diplomat K.C. Singh highlighted the European push for a ceasefire, noting that the German Chancellor raised the issue during the meetings, but Trump “kind of brushed it aside.”
Singh also pointed out European disunity, which he said plays into President Putin’s hands, adding that “the French President, quite clearly, was not happy with what was happening there. So, there is disunity, and that’s what President Putin wants.”While Europe focuses on the conflict’s immediate outcomes, experts also see implications for India’s trade and economic interests. Anjali Prasad, former ambassador to the WTO, said the US appears uncertain about pushing its 50% tariff plan on Indian imports. “They will not go ahead with this 50% tariff because they will have internal opposition. Their own economy will be affected if they go ahead with this,” she noted. Prasad added that despite the cancellation of the sixth round of talks, the US may still try to negotiate a deal, although she questioned the likelihood of progress.
Former diplomat Anil Trigunayat emphasised the need for India to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape carefully. “We must realise… there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests. As long as we can protect our interests, that should be the way to go,” he said. He noted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains central to US-Russia discussions and that potential outcomes hinge on the security guarantees extended to Ukraine.
Trigunayat also suggested that the 25% tariff imposed on India for buying Russian oil may be more political than economic. “It has more to do with Trump’s personal grudge against India for not being credited with the India-Pakistan ceasefire deal,” he added.
Overall, experts suggest that India must carefully balance its economic and strategic interests as US policy evolves, European disunity persists, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to shape global alliances.
Watch accompanying video for entire discussion.
