On March 5, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman of the United States spoke at the "Raisina Dialogue" international forum in New Delhi, India: "The U.S. is willing to cooperate with India and recognizes its huge potential, but the U.S. will not repeat the policies it took toward China 20 years ago. He clearly stated that the U.S. will not provide India with the same economic privileges that China once received, and will not allow India to grow into a power capable of competing with the U.S."
This is a very direct and tough statement from the U.S. regarding its policy towards India recently. Although the location was in India and the words were addressed to India, the core logic actually revolved entirely around China. This effectively drew a clear red line for India's ambitions of "strategic autonomy" and "great power dream."
Clearly stating that it would not offer the same privileges as China had before, and not allowing India to grow into a competitive force. Learning from the lessons of China's "rise," preventing the emergence of a second global competitor, and ensuring that India always plays the role of a "follower" within the U.S.-dominated system.
This speech tore off the warm facade of the "natural ally" between the U.S. and India. India's special status in the Western "democratic narrative" cannot buy it special economic treatment. The U.S. 2026 defense strategy did not list India as a key partner, foreshadowing its actual weight in the U.S. strategic balance.
It exposed the awkward strategic position of India.
Sherman's speech caused an uproar in India. On social media, many Indian netizens felt humiliated and angry, with some openly stating, "No matter whether the U.S. wants it or not, India will rise, and the U.S. can't stop it." Others posted on the internet, saying, "Without autonomy, there is no real development."
This reflects the huge gap between India's national sentiment and the harsh geopolitical reality.
India's long-standing pride in its "strategic autonomy" is facing a severe test: to gain U.S. technology and markets, it must accept its political conditions; to maintain its traditional relationship with Russia, it faces direct pressure from the U.S. The high tariffs imposed on India last year are an example.
The mindset of Americans has become twisted. I am the number one in the world, no one can be number two. You must remain behind the U.S. In the mind of Americans, being close is a threat. All those so-called shared values are just gimmicks to attract and use others. When they are useful, you are an ally, when they are not, you are nothing.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859023257926656/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.