India Must Avoid Being Used In US Strategy Against China, Says Economist Jeffrey Sachs
Three years back, when whole of Europe and Biden administration were up in arm against Russia on Ukraine , I saw an interview of Prof Jaffrey Sachs ( Columbia University) clearly blaming USA for violating its agreement with Gorbachev and provoking by carrying the war dangerously close to Russia in more like Cuban crisis fashion . Russia had no option but to retaliate and secure itself . Three years later Trump has validated Jaffrey Sachs. His warning again is very timely . Fortunately we have very wise leadership which will not fall in American trap . But short of joining a military alliance , supporting USA fully , is our need too provided it does not interfere in Indo – Russian relations or do what it did in Bangladesh or arms Pakistan to attack Iran . China is no ones friend either and a bully problematically close to us.
Members may find watching the video worth it .
Rajiv Upadhyay
India Must Avoid Being Used In US Strategy Against China, Says Economist Jeffrey Sachs
Renowned economist and UN advisor Professor Jeffrey Sachs has cautioned India against becoming embroiled in the US’s geopolitical strategies, particularly amid growing tensions with China. Speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 on Wednesday, Sachs warned that India should avoid being used as a tool in Washington’s efforts to counter China
Sachs expressed concern that the US seeks to push India into criticising China, positioning such actions as part of a broader American agenda. He urged India to pursue an independent foreign policy and not be swayed by external pressures, according to a Business Standard report.
“The US wants to use India to beat up China,” Sachs stated. “Don’t play the American game… India is too big for a US game.” He added that Washington has long aimed to create divisions between nations to maintain its global influence, and now India is being positioned as a counterbalance to China.
“The US wants to use India, clearly. It wants to use India to beat up China,” Sachs noted.
Sachs acknowledged the existing disputes between India and China but stressed that resolving them through bilateral dialogue would be beneficial for both nations. “I know India and China have their own issues, but settle them,” he said. “Between the two of you, you’re 40 per cent of the world’s population, and you could actually help to run a very decent world together. Don’t get caught in it,” Sachs warned
Strategic Alliances Like Quad Serve US Interests
Sachs also criticised India’s participation in strategic groupings like the Quad, suggesting that these alliances primarily benefit US interests.
“So the US loves for India to be in the Quad. It wants India to bash China. I heard some Indian politicians recently saying, no, it’s not Donald Trump’s trade policy, it’s all because of China. No, not exactly. It’s actually because of Donald Trump. So just be careful not to play the game… India is too big for a US game,” he added.
US Friendship
Sachs warned that the US is driven by a deep fear of losing global dominance. He described US foreign policy as one focused on control, often at the cost of its allies. “If you’re a friend of the United States, beware. Very dangerous,” Sachs remarked, as per the report.
“I’ve lived a whole lifetime in America declaring its friendship to countries that end up getting destroyed in part because of that wonderful friendship.” Sachs also pointed out that both China and India have emerged as major economies despite their colonial pasts. “India was the largest or second-largest economy in the world for centuries until the British arrived and did their job for quite a while,” he said.
