English Language · English

Read the statement carefully and choose the most logical inference: 'The recent surge in protectionist trade policies by New Delhi, including significant tariffs on American goods, has sparked a heated debate in Washington. Simultaneously, US defense contractors have expressed concern over the future of their joint military projects with India. While both nations have publicly emphasized their shared strategic interests against growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, the economic friction appears to be creating a ripple effect that strains other aspects of the bilateral relationship. For instance, a senior US diplomat recently noted that while military cooperation remains important, a stable economic partnership is the bedrock upon which long-term security ties are built.'