US-India relations have deteriorated sharply following a tense 35-minute phone call between former US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 17, 2025. The call, centered on Pakistan and the US invitation to Pakistan's military chief, marked a turning point that contributed to escalating tensions between the two nations. Indian officials expressed displeasure over the US-brokered ceasefire between India and Pakistan in May 2025 and perceived US actions as undermining India's position. This diplomatic rift coincides with broader geopolitical shifts in South Asia, including Bangladesh's political transition a year after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is now governed by an interim administration under Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, navigating economic challenges, political uncertainty, and rising Islamist influence, which has strained Dhaka's relations with New Delhi and altered regional diplomatic balances involving India and China. Meanwhile, India continues to address security concerns, such as cross-border terrorism highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in China. India has declined to endorse the SCO joint declaration, emphasizing its independent foreign policy priorities amid escalating US-China tensions. The country also faces economic challenges, including a large trade deficit with China, exacerbated by Beijing's support for Islamabad. India's strategic posture includes balancing improved ties with China while maintaining caution, as well as seeking alternative mineral sources to reduce dependence on Chinese exports. The evolving regional dynamics underscore India's critical role in the Indo-Pacific amid shifting alliances and security concerns.