India, July 31 -- A recent article by noted Indian-American author Ashley Tellis in Foreign Affairs, titled "India's Great-Power Delusions," argues that India's utility to the United States has diminished for three key reasons: First, India's shift towards domestic illiberalism has eroded its soft power and its ability to be a great power espousing liberal values; second, India undermines American unipolarity by advocating for multipolarity; and third, Delhi has been reluctant in supporting Washington in countering China's rise.

I agree that Washington's new regional approach has suddenly complicated India's regional and global strategies. However, attributing India's sticky geopolitical situation today solely to its own choices or domes...