Walter Russell Mead, a well-known American foreign policy expert, has highlighted the urgent need to deepen India-US relations as a pivotal strategy for countering China’s expanding influence in the region. In a series of interactions during October 2025, he led a delegation to India where he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior government officials, reaffirming that India’s leadership remains committed to advancing a robust partnership with the US, despite recent bilateral frictions over tariffs and visa fees. Mead described closer cooperation in technology, defense, and trade as critical to building a defensive coalition that safeguards shared regional interests, particularly in the face of China’s efforts to draw neighboring countries into its orbit. The expert warned that unresolved issues between India and the US, especially as the Trump administration seeks to solidify its legacy, could undermine this strategic partnership. Indian leaders are optimistic about working with new US Ambassador Sergio Gor, and recent diplomatic engagements signal a renewed emphasis on mutual trust and global stability, placing India’s interests and security at the heart of this evolving alliance.