All Things Policy Unpacking the New US National Security Strategy
Jan 2, 2026
Brigadier Anil Raman (retd), a strategic expert from the Takshashila Institution, and Tannmay Kumarr Baid, a junior adjunct scholar focusing on technology and economic security, dive deep into the U.S. National Security Strategy. They explore its shocking departure from traditional alliances and its implications for India, emphasizing themes like transactional diplomacy and critical minerals. The discussion raises questions about India’s response to the NSS and sheds light on the three revolutions shaping U.S. policy today.
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Transaction Over Values
- The NSS frames U.S. foreign ties as transactional and driven by economic nationalism rather than shared values.
- This signals a shift from defense-focused partnerships to commerce-first relationships with countries like India.
Quad Recast As Economic Burden-Share
- The NSS treats the Quad through an economic lens, asking partners to shoulder more responsibility.
- That reframes Quad cooperation as burden-sharing rather than a values-driven security partnership.
Keep Values, Be Pragmatic
- India should not mirror the NSS's transactional posture and must retain its values-based foreign policy.
- Continue pragmatic cooperation with the U.S. where mutually beneficial while preserving long-term principles.