The structural imbalance in the India-US trade deal is inevitable, mostly due to power differentials and asymmetry in negotiations, reasoned geostrategist Brahma Chellaney. He argued that leverage is the “currency of diplomacy” and “reciprocity is its governing principle”. “Because of power differentials, asymmetry is inherent in international negotiations. The parties are rarely equal in economic or military strength. But unequal power does not predetermine unequal outcomes. Weaker states often secure advantageous terms by leveraging their own strengths,” said Chellaney.