Retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Pentagon analyst Karen Kwiatkowski has described India-US ties as driven by strategic convenience. She said India is valued for its skilled workforce and technological capabilities, making it an important partner for the United States. At the same time, she argued that Washington views India as a counterweight that can be used when needed. Kwiatkowski also claimed that the Trump administration has a pattern of misleading its partners, not just India, and that such behaviour predates Trump. She added that US political elites prioritise power and financial interests, suggesting that alliances may be set aside quickly if they no longer serve those goals.