Former Indian diplomat Navtej Sarna has called for a significant re-evaluation of India-US relations, urging New Delhi to stand firm against American pressure regarding its oil purchases from Russia. Sarna, who previously served as ambassador to the US, UK, and Israel, stated that India must prioritize its national dignity and be prepared to "call the bully's bluff."
His remarks, published in an editorial for The Week on September 27, 2026, come amidst escalating tensions fueled by recent US sanctions legislation targeting India's trade with Russia. Sarna contends that these punitive measures, which have garnered cross-party support in the US Capitol, including from members of the Congressional India Caucus, expose a fundamental fracture in the two nations' quarter-century strategic partnership.
Diplomatic Rift Deepens
Sarna highlighted what he described as "patronising rhetoric" from US lawmakers, such as Senator Richard Blumenthal, suggesting that a transactional approach to diplomacy, relying on appeasement and promises of trade investment, has reached its limit. He emphasized that the current situation demands an honest assessment, free from excuses or apologies.
"In relations between states, as in personal relations, come moments of great clarity when situations must be assessed without excuse, apology or gloss. The Russia sanctions law is such a moment in the India-US relationship, badly buffeted as it is over the last 20 months. It is now time to apply the cold edge of the scalpel, cut the fat and get to the heart of the matter," Sarna wrote.
A Moment of Clarity for Bilateral Ties
The diplomat firmly believes that the relationship between India and the US has "cratered significantly." He argued that India must accept this reality without caveats, acknowledging that from America's perspective, India may no longer be viewed as the strategic partner it once believed itself to be. This acceptance, Sarna added, necessitates discarding long-held assumptions and wishful thinking about the partnership.
He cautioned against finding comfort in the notion that the US treats other allies similarly or hoping for temporary waivers. For Sarna, the imposition of sanctions and the underlying rhetoric represent "one affront too many" that India cannot overlook.
National Dignity: A Non-Negotiable Principle
Drawing parallels to India's resilience during past challenges, such as the nuclear file, Sarna asserted that national dignity remains paramount and non-negotiable. He urged New Delhi to operate on principles, even if it entails potential economic setbacks or difficult choices.
Instead of yielding to American pressure, Sarna advocated for actively exploring and pursuing alternative partnerships. He stressed that India's historical strength lies in its ability to respond with resilience to overbearing arrogance, and that a clear stance on matters of principle will ultimately open up more options.
Beyond One Administration
Sarna further advised against framing the current friction as merely a temporary phase tied to any single US administration, such as that of Donald Trump. He pointed to broader shifts within the US political spectrum, characterized by economic nationalism and a disregard for international norms, which he believes will persist beyond any individual presidency.
Ultimately, Sarna concluded that while the relationship with the US is important, it should not come "at this price." His call for India to "call the bully's bluff" underscores a demand for a principled and independent foreign policy stance.