The United States has unveiled its National Defence Strategy (NDS) for 2026, marking a significant shift in its global security approach under the Trump administration. Released on Friday, this document outlines a roadmap that dials down on confrontation with China while prioritising the defence of the homeland and recalibrating alliances based on US interests.
A Softer Stance on China
In a departure from previous strategies, the NDS 2026 takes a notably softer view on China. Unlike the NDS 2018, which highlighted China and Russia as authoritarian threats, the new strategy emphasises deterrence through strength rather than direct confrontation. It explicitly states that the goal is not to dominate, strangle, or humiliate China, but to seek stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations.
Focus on Homeland and Western Hemisphere
The strategy places a clear priority on defending the homeland and protecting US interests in the Western Hemisphere. It outlines goals such as ensuring access to key areas like the Panama Canal and Greenland, and engaging with neighbours in good faith while ready to take decisive action if interests are not respected.
Calibrated Alliances and Burden-Sharing
NDS 2026 frames how Washington views its allies, making it clear that US involvement will be calibrated based on an honest assessment of challenges aligned with US interests. It calls for increased burden-sharing, urging allies to step up their contributions in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Europe, where they face more direct threats.
Implications for India and the Quad
This emphasis on burden-sharing sends a clear message to India and other partners in the Quad grouping (India, US, Australia, Japan). The strategy suggests that US commitment to such alliances is contingent on partners fulfilling their end of the bargain, though it notably does not mention South Asia, India, or Af-Pak in its 34 pages.
Rebuilding Defence and Industry
The document also highlights plans to rebuild the US defence industrial base as part of a broader revival of American industry. It criticises past neglect of American interests and vows to put concrete US interests first in all engagements.
Managing Other Threats
While focusing on China and the homeland, the NDS acknowledges Russia as a persistent but manageable threat to NATO. It asserts that NATO allies are well-positioned to take primary responsibility for Europe's defence, with the US providing calibrated support to focus on priorities closer to home.
Overall, the NDS 2026 represents a strategic pivot towards a more measured, interest-based approach in global security, reducing confrontation with China while strengthening domestic and allied capabilities.
