Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Aug 28: Former US Charge d’Affaires to India Donald Heflin has cautioned that Washington’s increasingly unpredictable diplomatic practices are complicating bilateral trade negotiations with New Delhi.

In an exclusive interview, Heflin, now a Senior Fellow at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, said that the traditional structure of diplomacy is “broken” in Washington, largely due to a wave of resignations, retirements, and a growing reluctance among remaining diplomats to voice dissent.

“Normally, you'd go to a country like India and say: ‘We’re thinking about raising tariffs, here’s the issue – let’s work on it.’ But those professional processes are no longer happening,” Heflin said.

He blamed a steep decline in career diplomats, noting that “many of those remaining have learned the lesson that you don’t raise an unpopular opinion.” The shift, he said, has left political appointees increasingly in control of complex foreign policy matters.

Regarding the upcoming appointment of Sergio Gor as US Ambassador to India, Heflin offered a measured endorsement, describing him as a “voice of reason” in the Trump administration’s first term. However, he warned that Gor may be hampered by a hollowed-out diplomatic corps.

“A lot of the tools that he would normally have – experienced embassy staff and State Department backup – won’t be there,” Heflin said, warning that even a steady hand may struggle without the necessary support.

On broader Indo-Pacific policy, Heflin suggested that the US's current focus on renegotiating economic terms with China could lead to neglect of regional allies like India, Australia, and Japan. He cautioned that Washington might prioritize a deal with Beijing at the expense of long-standing partnerships.

“There is a temptation to say, ‘If we could cut a good deal with China, that’d be great… even if it means sidelining allies like India,’” he observed.

Offering advice to Indian policymakers, Heflin remarked that India may need to reassess its diplomatic expectations from the US.

“For decades, the US has been a constant suitor, while India played hot and cold. Now, the US is taking the same attitude. I’m not sure how much India’s pride will allow it to accept that, but that’s the new reality,” he concluded.