India’s frustration with the Trump administration is plain and easily understood. If today it is sparked by new US policies on H1-B visas, yesterday it was Chabahar port and punitive tariffs. Much to New Delhi’s dismay, Field Marshal Asim Munir has made it to the White House not once, but twice, the second time with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and plenty of cameramen in tow. Lest there be any misunderstanding, India’s concerns, irritations, and anger have registered in Washington, DC. There is no need to send more parliamentary delegations or blame India’s embassy. For those who care to listen, India’s message has always been loud and clear.
Nor has there yet been a sea change in wider US attitudes about the benefits of a closer US-India strategic partnership. That idea still enjoys a broad bipartisan consensus on Capitol Hill, and sympathy for India has the support of powerful political, commercial, and other interest groups across America.