Strengthening India-US Economic Complementarity: Ashley J. Tellis Calls for Strategic Trade Vision
India-US Partnership Must Focus on Economic Synergy, Not Tariff Friction: Ashley J. Tellis
At the Carnegie Global Technology Summit held in New Delhi, Ashley J. Tellis, Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs and Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, emphasized the need for India and the United States to enhance economic collaboration rather than allowing trade disputes and tariff measures to erode their strategic complementarity.
Tellis, a widely respected voice in international policy circles, urged both nations to resist policy measures—particularly tariffs—that can damage mutual economic interests. "I am not a great fan of tariffs," he stated, suggesting that both countries should look past current trade tensions and invest in a long-term, sustainable economic alliance.
Call for Accelerated Trade Negotiations
Tellis further added that the bilateral trade agreement, currently under negotiation between India and the US and expected to be concluded by the fall of 2025, should be accelerated. He highlighted the urgency of resolving outstanding trade disputes to unlock the full potential of this strategic relationship.
"We should not be doing anything that undermines the complementarity of our two economies," Tellis stressed. “Instead, we must build a durable economic partnership that matches our shared strategic objectives.”
US Market Turmoil Raises Red Flags
The remarks come at a time when the US financial markets are experiencing a sharp downturn. Tellis described this as a "trifecta of economic pressure"—referring to a steep drop in equity markets, rising bond market volatility, and downward pressure on the US dollar. According to Tellis, these developments reflect a deeper economic unease in the United States, impacting average citizens and complicating international trade diplomacy.
“This has been a painful experience for the US,” Tellis acknowledged, referring to the recent economic shocks stemming in part from trade policy decisions.
Extradition of Tahawwur Rana: A Step Toward Justice
In addition to trade and economic matters, Tellis also addressed recent developments in counterterrorism cooperation between India and the US—most notably, the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Calling the extradition "long overdue," Tellis welcomed the move as a long-awaited step towards justice. He noted that Rana had benefitted from certain legal immunities in the United States that he "did not deserve."
“Justice will be served,” Tellis remarked, acknowledging the importance of the legal process while underscoring that it had taken too long.
The US Department of Justice echoed Tellis’ sentiments, describing the extradition as a “critical step” in bringing justice to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks that left over 170 people dead and hundreds injured.
Conclusion: A Future-Oriented Partnership
Ashley Tellis’ observations underscore the necessity of strategic foresight in India-US relations. As both countries navigate economic volatility and evolving global alliances, their shared goal should be to deepen trust, build resilient trade frameworks, and jointly combat threats to international security.
The takeaway from Tellis’ address is clear: India and the US have more to gain together than apart, and policies that respect each other's strengths will lead to shared prosperity and geopolitical stability.
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