India’s relations with the United States have cooled sharply, directly affecting Indian billionaires, Financial Times reports. Experts say the fallout stems from India’s foreign policy and post-war credibility issues. Billionaire lobbyists spent millions, but could not influence US trade or legal decisions.
The report highlights India’s Hindu nationalist policies and dual-track diplomacy as key reasons behind deteriorating ties. Despite heavy lobbying, major business figures, including Gautam Adani, faced limitations in building trade relationships. US legal priorities remained unaffected by personal connections or lobbying efforts.
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India’s credibility as a reliable ally has suffered after its defeat in the May conflict with Pakistan. Analysts note that the inability to coordinate effectively with the US weakened India’s strategic influence. Trade disputes and limited engagement between Modi and Trump exacerbated tensions further.
Financial Times also points out that India’s business elite directly experienced the consequences. Lobbying expenditures failed to open new economic channels, leaving billionaires vulnerable to regulatory and legal pressures abroad. Observers say this underscores the limits of financial clout in shaping international relations.
Meanwhile, the report notes that US President Donald Trump strengthened ties with Pakistan. This shift left India facing not only diplomatic challenges but also a loss of leverage in key trade and security matters. Experts warn India must recalibrate its policies to restore credibility with global allies.