NEW DELHI – United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau emphasized America's national interests while advocating for a deeper partnership with India at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 this week. Landau, leading the US delegation to India's premier geopolitical forum, underscored Washington's commitment to prioritizing its own economic and strategic goals in its engagements with New Delhi.
The Deputy Secretary participated in the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, held in New Delhi from March 5 to 7, 2026. He arrived in India on March 3 and concluded his visit on March 6, engaging in high-level discussions. His remarks provided a clear perspective on the Trump administration's foreign policy approach, particularly concerning its economic relationship with India.[thehindu+10]
America First, Not Alone
During a curtain-raiser session titled "Power, Purpose, & Partnerships: American Foreign Policy in a New Era," Landau articulated the core principle of US foreign policy. He stated that the United States aims to advance its national interests. Landau clarified that while the policy is "America First," it does not mean "America alone." He explained that President Donald Trump expects other nations, like India, to also prioritize their own national interests. This approach seeks partnerships that mutually benefit sovereign states.[thehindu+2]
Landau asserted that the United States is not a "charity organization" and views its engagement with India through the lens of shared interests. He highlighted that a stronger partnership with India benefits both countries. The Deputy Secretary's statements aimed to set clear expectations for the evolving bilateral relationship.[indiatoday+4]
Trade Deal Nears Finish Line
A significant point of discussion was the ongoing US-India trade deal. Landau expressed excitement that the bilateral trade agreement was "almost at the finishing line now." This comes after India and the US finalized a framework for an interim trade agreement last month, moving towards a broader pact. The talks for this agreement were launched by President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2025.[thehindu+2]
However, Landau also delivered a cautionary message regarding future trade dynamics. He warned that the US would not repeat past mistakes made with China, where it allowed markets to develop only to be surpassed by them. "India should understand that we're not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago," Landau said. This indicates a more protective stance from Washington in its economic dealings.[indianewengland+3]
India's Rise and Geopolitical Role
Landau acknowledged India's growing global influence, stating that "this century will see the rise of India." He recognized India's demographic strength, expanding resources, and economic potential as central to shaping the future of the 21st century. The Deputy Secretary emphasized that the US wants to be a part of India's ascent.[thestatesman+1]
He also addressed global conflicts, noting that it is an "indictment of the foreign policy establishment that we haven't found solutions to the conflicts." Regarding the Persian Gulf War, Landau stated that the endgame is an Iran that does not pose a threat to others and lacks access to nuclear weapons. The US also pitched for India to consider alternate energy sources, with Landau suggesting the United States as a reliable and energy-rich partner.[thestatesman+2]
Bilateral Meetings and Dialogue Context
During his visit, Deputy Secretary Landau met with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. Their discussions covered cooperation across a range of strategic and economic areas. These included bilateral cooperation on defense, critical minerals, and counternarcotics efforts. The officials also aimed to deepen commercial and economic ties to increase market access for American businesses. The discussions further sought to advance a shared vision for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.[indianewengland+6]
The Raisina Dialogue, co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) since 2016, serves as a crucial platform for global leaders to discuss geopolitics and geo-economics. The 2026 edition, themed "Samskara – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement," brought together around 2,700 participants from 110 countries. These included ministers, former heads of state, military commanders, and industry leaders. Finnish President Alexander Stubb was the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at this year's dialogue.[theindianeye+6]
Christopher Landau was sworn in as the 23rd United States Deputy Secretary of State on March 25, 2025. Before this role, he served as the United States Ambassador to Mexico from 2019 to 2021 during President Trump's first administration. Hisextensive legal background, including clerking for Supreme Court justices, and his diplomatic experience in Mexico, inform his current position.[theindianeye+6]
Landau's participation in the Raisina Dialogue underscores the United States' focus on strengthening its strategic partnerships, particularly with India, while firmly advancing its national interests in a complex global landscape. His statements set a clear tone for future economic and diplomatic engagements between the two nations.[state]
