India Alarmed By ‘Insufficient’ US Focus On Pakistan Terrorism, Warns Against Kashmir Mediation

India has expressed disappointment over what it perceives as “insufficient” attention from the United States to terrorism emanating from Pakistan, according to a new policy report. The paper also advises Washington to respect New Delhi’s red lines on Kashmir and refrain from any third-party mediation, warning that such interference could further strain bilateral relations.

The report, titled Repairing the Breach: Getting US-India Ties Back on Track, was released this week by the think tank Center for a New American Security. Authored by Lisa Curtis, Keerthi Martyn, and Sitara Gupta, it highlights that while the US and India continue to cooperate in key sectors, deep strategic mistrust persists. The report cites tensions in 2025—arising from differences over a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the imposition of steep US tariffs on Indian exports—as events that continue to affect the relationship.

The policy paper notes that India welcomed Washington’s designation of The Resistance Front as a terrorist group but remains disappointed with the broader US approach to counterterrorism. It emphasises India’s long-standing opposition to external involvement in the Kashmir issue, suggesting that any US statements indicating mediation risk eroding trust. To restore confidence, the report recommends that Washington focus on areas of convergence rather than attempting to intervene in the India-Pakistan dispute.

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Despite these tensions, the report identifies continued momentum in defence and economic cooperation. Last year, India and the US renewed a 10-year defence framework covering intelligence sharing, maritime security, and defence technology collaboration. On the economic front, the interim trade deal announced in February 2026 reduces tariffs and includes commitments to expand trade in sectors such as energy, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

The paper highlights India’s reforms in nuclear energy and investments in critical minerals as positioning the country as a partner in building resilient supply chains, particularly as both nations seek to reduce reliance on China. It also notes that US investments in India’s digital infrastructure and data centres strengthen technological interdependence. However, it cautions that political mistrust could undermine these gains unless addressed through sustained diplomatic engagement.

Concluding, the report underscores India’s pivotal role in shaping the Indo-Pacific and warns that the quality of US-India ties will influence the regional balance of power. It stresses that strengthening counterterrorism cooperation, disrupting terror financing, and improving coordination at global forums will be critical in ensuring a stable strategic partnership between the two democracies.

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