At Rising Bharat Summit 2025, the renowned economist urges New Delhi to pursue independent diplomacy, cautions against being a pawn in U.S.-China rivalry

New Delhi, April 9, 2025 — Celebrated economist and global development expert Jeffrey Sachs has issued a sharp warning to India, advising it to tread carefully in its strategic partnership with the United States—especially when it comes to Washington’s intensifying rivalry with China.

Speaking at the Rising Bharat Summit 2025, Sachs emphasized that India must avoid being drawn into the geopolitical ambitions of the U.S., which he believes is positioning New Delhi as a counterweight to Beijing.

“The United States wants to use India to beat up China,” Sachs said bluntly. “But India is too big and too important to be a player in someone else’s game.”

A Call for Strategic Autonomy

Sachs, a professor at Columbia University and a longtime advisor to the United Nations, urged India to maintain its strategic autonomy and resist being co-opted into U.S.-led alliances that primarily serve American interests.

He pointed to historical examples where U.S. alliances have turned detrimental for partner nations.

“If you’re a friend of the United States, beware. It’s often very dangerous,” he cautioned. “I’ve spent a lifetime watching America destroy countries it first called allies.”

The comments were aimed at India’s increasing alignment with the U.S. in forums like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which also includes Japan and Australia.

India-China: A Relationship Worth Rebuilding?

Addressing the India-China relationship, Sachs acknowledged the complexities but insisted that the two Asian giants must find a way to work together for the greater global good.

“India and China have their own issues. But between the two of you, you’re 40% of the world’s population. You could help run a very decent world together,” Sachs noted.

He urged both nations to explore bilateral resolutions, rather than relying on external powers to mediate or exacerbate tensions.

“Americans Hate China—India Could Be Next”

Sachs also delivered a striking prediction: as India continues its economic ascent and becomes a global powerhouse, it may eventually face the same Western backlash that China is currently experiencing.

“Americans hate China,” Sachs said. “And I’m sorry to say this, but as you overtake the United States too, they will come to resent India as well.”

According to Sachs, economic jealousy, hegemonic insecurity, and the U.S. desire to retain its global supremacy will shape future tensions—not just with China, but potentially with India as well.

A Vision for a Multipolar World

Sachs’ message comes at a time when India is being wooed by both Western and Eastern blocs. With a rising GDP, a youthful population, and growing global influence, India is expected to be among the top three economies by 2030, if not sooner.

Yet Sachs believes that India’s strength lies not in aligning with either superpower, but in shaping a new multipolar global order rooted in cooperation, shared development, and peace.

“India must be a pillar of global stability—not an instrument in someone else’s rivalry,” Sachs concluded.

Conclusion

Jeffrey Sachs’ remarks serve as a timely reminder of the complex global dynamics that India must navigate in the coming years. As New Delhi seeks to balance economic aspirations, regional security, and diplomatic partnerships, the economist’s advice is clear: prioritize India’s long-term interests and avoid becoming a secondary actor in great power politics.