India’s Bold Stand Against U.S. Pressure – What Really Happened
From the wheat crisis of 1965 to the Pokhran nuclear tests, India has always stood firm against U.S. pressure and protected its strategic independence.
Over the decades, India faced tough situations but responded with courage and vision—whether it was a food shortage, war, or global political pressure.
Early Relations and Non-Aligned Policy
After gaining independence, India adopted a non-alignment policy—choosing not to side with any major power bloc. This decision by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru displeased the U.S., which expected India to support its global agenda. Nehru made it clear that India would follow an independent foreign policy.
1965 Wheat Crisis
In 1965, during the war with Pakistan, India faced a severe food shortage. At that time, the U.S. was supplying wheat to India under the PL-480 program. But as the war intensified, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson threatened Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri—saying that wheat supplies would be stopped if the war did not end.
Shastri refused to give in. He told the U.S. to stop sending wheat and urged Indians to fast one day a week to save food. This was when the famous slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” (“Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer”) became popular, symbolizing India’s path toward self-reliance.
Nuclear Tests and U.S. Sanctions
In 1974, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India conducted its first Pokhran nuclear test. The U.S. responded by imposing sanctions. Again in 1998, under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India carried out five nuclear tests. This angered the U.S., which then imposed heavy economic and military restrictions.
India made it clear that the tests were for national security and refused to back down. Diplomatic talks followed between Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott. Over time, the U.S. realized that isolating India would not work.
Recent Trade Tensions
In recent years, under President Donald Trump, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on some Indian goods. India, prioritizing its trade sovereignty, rejected unfair terms. While it did not impose retaliatory tariffs immediately, India made it clear that protecting the interests of its traders was non-negotiable.
India has always chosen self-respect and independence over bowing to outside pressure, whether in times of war, crisis, or diplomatic disputes.
America’s Truth Exposed! What People Really Think About Russia, China, and India
People living in the same country have very different opinions about the United States. Some see America as a friend, while others consider it an enemy. A new survey from 24 countries shows a split in America’s global image — for many, it’s the closest partner, but for others, it’s a possible threat.
The U.S. recently announced new tariffs on many countries, which has upset several nations. Many believe President Trump’s decision is wrong. The Pew Research Center collected data on which countries see America as a partner and which see it as a threat.
Who Considers the U.S. a Partner?
Out of 24 countries, 12 consider the U.S. a partner.
Israel tops the partner list, followed by Canada, the UK, Japan, and South Korea.
India also sees America as a partner, ranking 12th. Countries ahead of India include Argentina, Poland, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, and Australia.
One surprising detail: only 19% of people think Russia is India’s partner, while 35% see the U.S. as India’s partner. However, trade relations between India and the U.S. are not very smooth right now, mainly due to tariff disputes.
Countries That See America as a Threat:
Some nations believe the U.S. is a major threat — including Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Kenya. Interestingly, some of these same countries also consider America a partner, showing a complex relationship.
In Canada and the UK, about half or more adults see the U.S. as their most important ally.
In the U.S., 18% of Americans see the UK as their closest ally, while 12% say the same for Canada.
Views on Other Countries:
In 8 out of 10 European countries surveyed, Russia is seen as the biggest threat. This includes France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the UK.
In the U.S. and Asia-Pacific, many believe China is the biggest threat. Nearly half of adults in Australia and Japan think so. In South Korea, China is seen as the second-biggest threat after North Korea.
Conclusion:
The survey highlights the complex and often contradictory way nations view the United States. For some, it’s a reliable partner; for others, it’s a looming threat. The results show that America’s foreign relations remain as complicated as ever in 2025.