Jeffrey Sachs, a prominent U.S. economist, cautioned in a recent interview that the United States is likely to target India’s rise as a global economic power, drawing parallels to its historical actions against Russia and China.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Sachs argued that the U.S. response to emerging global powers is primarily motivated by the desire to maintain economic and geopolitical hegemony. Sachs remarked, “Someday when India succeeds, the U.S. would want to weaken India.” Carlson, in agreement, added, “Probably sooner rather than later.”
U.S. foreign policy strategy
Sachs explained that the U.S. has consistently sought to undermine any nation that develops the capacity to challenge its global dominance. He pointed out that the geopolitical rivalry with Russia and the ongoing confrontation with China are driven not by ideological opposition, but by strategic concerns over global power dynamics.
“Russia is big, Russia is powerful, and for that reason alone, the U.S. would oppose Russia. Just like it opposes China,” Sachs said. He warned that India, which is rapidly ascending the global economic ladder, could face similar strategic resistance from the U.S. in the coming decades.
Sachs also projected that India would likely surpass the U.S. to become the world’s second-largest economy within the next 10 to 15 years, and could potentially overtake China for the top spot by mid-century, further intensifying the geopolitical competition.
Concerns over U.S.-led alliances
While acknowledging India’s significant economic achievements, Sachs expressed concern over its growing involvement in U.S.-led multilateral frameworks, particularly the Quad alliance, which includes the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia. Sachs criticised such alliances as primarily serving American geopolitical interests, which could limit India’s strategic autonomy in the long run.
“The U.S. wants to use India to counter China,” Sachs argued. “Don’t play the American game… India is too big for a U.S. game.” He emphasized the importance of India maintaining a policy of strategic autonomy, ensuring balanced relations with all global powers, including China and Russia, without aligning too closely with any one faction. Sachs further cautioned India about the risks of over-relying on U.S. support, referencing Washington’s historical tendency to abandon allies when it is no longer convenient. “Friendship with the U.S. can be dangerous,” Sachs warned, highlighting the potential consequences of India becoming too enmeshed in the geopolitical strategies of the U.S. and its allies.