As the United States celebrates its 249th Independence Day, it’s not only a time for fireworks and patriotic festivities, but also a chance to reflect on the global web of events that shaped the birth of the most powerful modern democracy. While the American Revolutionary War is often remembered as a fight led by George Washington against British colonialism, few remember how the economic and geopolitical struggles of another region—India—played an indirect yet significant role in tipping the scales in favor of American freedom.
The American colonies, from 1776 to 1783, fought to break free from the British crown. But far across the globe, in the Indian subcontinent, another battle was unfolding. The British Empire, then administered through the East India Company, had deep economic and political interests in India. These interests were being threatened not only by local resistance but also by the broader strategic realignments of the time. The same Charles Cornwallis who surrendered to George Washington at the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781 would later become Governor-General of India and is remembered for introducing permanent land settlements and reforms that shaped British colonial administration in Bengal.
Trade was at the heart of this global entanglement. Indian textiles, particularly cotton and calico fabrics, were central to the daily life of American colonists. These goods were brought to the colonies through British-controlled trade channels, and their availability had economic and cultural importance. However, under Britain’s mercantilist policies, heavy tariffs were imposed on these Indian imports. These tariffs were meant to protect British manufacturers and raise revenues for imperial operations. They ended up hurting both Indian producers and American consumers. The colonists saw these levies as part of a broader system of economic exploitation and control—taxation without representation. These sentiments helped fuel resistance in America, including the boycott of British goods and a push toward homespun alternatives that became symbols of defiance and independence.
Meanwhile, on Indian soil, the Kingdom of Mysore under Hyder Ali and later his son Tipu Sultan, with support from the Maratha Empire, posed a serious threat to British ambitions in the East. Encouraged by the French, who were allied with the American revolutionaries, Hyder Ali began to challenge British control in southern India. In 1780, the Second Anglo-Mysore War broke out. This conflict diverted British resources, attention, and manpower at a crucial time during their war in America. With the British stretched across multiple fronts, their grip on the American colonies weakened.
Tipu Sultan would continue the war after Hyder Ali’s death in 1782, keeping British forces embroiled in a costly and prolonged conflict until 1784. The strain of fighting two major wars—one in America and another in India—proved overwhelming. The Siege of Yorktown in 1781, led by George Washington with crucial assistance from French forces, forced Cornwallis to surrender, effectively ending major combat in the American War of Independence. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 would formalize the birth of the United States.
This interconnected chain of events shows that India’s resistance, though geographically distant, had a tangible impact on the outcome of the American Revolution. It wasn’t just the battlefield tactics of the Continental Army or the leadership of George Washington that secured independence, but also the broader context of global empire, trade, and war.
The economic parallels between past and present are striking. Just as tariffs on Indian goods once disrupted colonial economies, modern tariff wars under leaders like Donald Trump have reignited global trade tensions. The recent free trade agreement signed between the UK and India in May illustrates a long historical arc—from colonial trade imbalances to contemporary efforts at economic partnership. Tariffs today, as in the 18th century, remain powerful tools of diplomacy and dominance.
The legacy of Indian textiles also endures. What once symbolized colonial dependence and economic strain has, over the centuries, transformed into an emblem of national industry and resilience, both in India and the United States. The explosion of the American cotton and garment industry in the 19th century, which became a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, was in many ways a response to the disruptions and boycotts that occurred during the Revolution.
As Americans commemorate their independence, the subtle yet significant role played by India deserves recognition. The two nations, now strong partners in global affairs, share more than just democratic values—they share a history of parallel resistance against the same imperial power. While George Washington’s leadership remains central to American national identity, figures like Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali, and the struggles of Indian artisans and traders, form an often-overlooked but vital part of that global story of freedom.
