In India-US deal, there is a dangerous asymmetry. California can bridge the gap

The prevailing narrative surrounding the US-India relationship is one of triumph. As the world’s oldest and largest democracies, we often celebrate our converging strategic interests, robust trade, and deep cultural ties. Yet behind the handshakes and headlines, the cold, hard statistics on foreign direct investment (FDI) reveal a structural vulnerability — a dangerous asymmetry that threatens to undermine the long-term health of our partnership.

The United States currently stands as the third-largest source of FDI into India, a testament to American confidence in India’s growth potential and economic trajectory. The flow in the opposite direction, however, tells a starkly different story. India does not even rank among the top 20 sources of FDI into the United States. This imbalance creates more than just a missed economic opportunity; it creates a significant political liability for New Delhi — particularly in this America First-driven political climate and trade reality. READ MORE