Former US Charge d’Affaires to India, Donald Heflin, has cautioned that Washington’s unpredictable diplomatic style is complicating trade talks with New Delhi.

In an interview with IANS, Heflin, now a Senior Fellow at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, said the traditional diplomatic framework has “broken down” in Washington. “Normally, you work through mid-level professionals to resolve issues before leaders step in. But many diplomats have resigned, retired, or been sidelined. Those left are reluctant to speak out,” he noted.

He added that political appointees have increasingly replaced career diplomats, leaving gaps in expertise. “When a president like Trump gives direction, normally the State Department works out the details. Now, many of the professionals who knew how to do that are gone,” Heflin said.

Despite challenges, Heflin expressed cautious optimism about Sergio Gor’s appointment as the next US ambassador to India, describing him as a “steady hand” but warning that a lack of institutional support may limit his effectiveness.

On Indo-Pacific policy, Heflin said Washington’s focus on renegotiating trade with China could reshape ties with other allies, including India, Japan, and Australia. “There’s a temptation to cut a good deal with China, but that raises questions for partners aligned with the US,” he observed.

Heflin also advised India to adjust expectations: “For decades, the US was the constant suitor of India. Now Washington is taking a similar hot-and-cold approach. India may need to prepare for that shift.”