Introduction
The relationship between the United States and India has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, evolving from a period of estrangement to a robust strategic partnership. This development has been driven by shared democratic values, converging security interests, and a recognition of India's rising global prominence. As the world's largest democracies, the United States and India have forged a multifaceted alliance that transcends traditional domains, encompassing defense, energy, space, and multilateral cooperation.
The White House reaffirms India’s Prominence
The White House has reaffirmed India's significance as a strategic partner of the US, stating that the relationship between Washington and New Delhi is not expected to change. The Biden administration emphasized that India remains a "very important partner" of the US. These remarks were made during a press briefing by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday, in response to questions about the US-India relationship in light of some critical reports, articles, and opinion pieces regarding the Indian government.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. (AP)
Miller stated, "India is the world's largest democracy. It is an important strategic partner of the United States, and I anticipate that will remain the case." US officials have consistently described India as a "very important partner," emphasizing that the relationship between the two countries is continuously strengthening.
The Changing Dynamics under Prime Minister Modi
The current phase of US-India relations commenced after the failure of the Clinton administration's containment policies following India's nuclear tests in 1998. India emerged from these sanctions as a resurgent nation under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership, prompting the United States to adopt a policy of accommodation, leading to the transformation of their estranged relations into a strategic partnership.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power in 2014, he opted not to let personal differences with the United States dictate bilateral ties. Instead, Modi redirected efforts towards sustaining and deepening these ties, as evidenced by his visit to the United States in September 2014 and the invitation extended to President Obama to be the chief guest at India's Republic Day Parade in January 2015.
Defense Cooperation: A Cornerstone of the Alliance
Defense cooperation has been a cornerstone of the growing relationship between the two countries. As the United States grapples with economic slowdowns and security crises in various regions, there is a growing sentiment among US security officials and experts that engaging rising powers like India is crucial for ensuring peace and security.
The Modi government's acceleration of military modernization, buoyed by increased foreign direct investment in the defense sector, has opened economic opportunities for strengthening defense ties with Washington. Additionally, China's rise and assertive actions in the South China Sea provide further impetus for the United States to enhance security and military relations with India.
India, concerned about China's stance on disputed territories and the growing cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad, believes that the presence of the United States in South Asia would help maintain a favorable balance of power. New Delhi acknowledges that aggressive pursuit of military modernization requires access to advanced US weaponry and technology.
Modi's 'Make in India' initiative also relies on active participation from the American defense industry, given its expertise. Moreover, isolating Pakistan internationally for its failure to address terrorism necessitates New Delhi's sustained security talks and military exercises with Washington.
Unlike the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, the Modi government has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the United States in ensuring freedom of navigation and flight in the region, including the South China Sea. This shift demonstrates India's resolve to take a firm stance on China and has been reinforced by the Modi government's emphasis on developing coalitions with the United States, Japan, and Australia as part of its regional security strategy.
Bilateral Agreements and Initiatives
Significant progress has been made on the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative, aimed at facilitating defense technology cooperation and trade. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the supply of F-16 and F/A-18 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, which would bolster the 'Make in India' program.
The Modi government has also pursued three crucial bilateral agreements: the Logistic Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMA), the Communication and Information Security Memorandum (CISMOA), and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). While the previous UPA government opposed these agreements, citing concerns about strategic autonomy and nonalignment, the Modi government has agreed in principle to all three due to emerging security threats.
LEMA would facilitate access to fuel and supplies from each other's bases, enhancing coordination in military activities. CISMOA would enable confidential intelligence sharing using advanced encryption technology. BECA would provide India with topographical and aeronautical data for navigation and targeting.
India has agreed to sign these agreements in principle, with requests for modifications to safeguard its interests. Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar has clarified that LEMA does not involve stationing American troops on Indian soil, indicating India's cautious approach in balancing its ties between the United States and China.
Clean Energy and Space Cooperation
The United States and India share a common vision to deploy clean energy at scale, as reflected in both countries' ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy. They are exploring avenues to increase their minerals security cooperation to ensure they can advance their clean energy goals, including through the Minerals Security Partnership.
In August 2023, the India-United States New and Emerging Renewable Energy Technologies Action Platform (RE-TAP) held its inaugural meeting, paving the way for lab-to-lab collaboration, piloting and testing, and policy and planning coordination for renewable energy technologies and systems.
Space exploration is another area of cooperation, with India's signing of the Artemis Accords in June, establishing a common vision for the future of space exploration for the benefit of all humankind. Priorities include furthering cooperation on human spaceflight, commercial collaboration, and space exploration. NASA's provision of advanced training to Indian astronauts at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, aims to facilitate a joint effort to the International Space Station in 2024.
India has also approved a $318-million investment to construct a Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory in India, which will work in tandem with similar facilities in the United States, Europe, and Japan to study gravitational waves and gain insights into the physical origins of the universe.
Multilateral Cooperation and People-to-People Ties
India and the United States cooperate closely in multilateral organizations and fora, including the United Nations, G20, ASEAN-related fora, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. The United States recognizes India's successful G20 presidency, including hosting the September G20 summit, which delivered key outcomes towards a new era of connectivity from Europe to Asia, stimulating economic development, and a commitment to larger and more effective multilateral development banks.
Together with Australia and Japan, the United States and India convene as the Quad, a diplomatic network to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. India is also one of 12 countries partnering with the United States on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity to make their economies more connected, resilient, clean, and fair.
The vibrant people-to-people ties between the two countries are a tremendous source of strength for the strategic partnership. The United States welcomes over 200,000 Indian nationals studying in its universities and is developing new higher education partnerships as part of a bilateral working group. The Indian diaspora community of over 4 million in the United States is an important driver of collaboration, innovation, and job creation in both countries.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between the United States and India has evolved into a multifaceted alliance that transcends traditional domains, driven by shared democratic values, converging security interests, and a recognition of India's rising global prominence. As the world's largest democracies, the two nations have forged cooperation in areas such as defense, energy, space, and multilateral cooperation, underpinned by robust people-to-people ties. While navigating a delicate balance between strategic autonomy and global partnerships, India's leadership under Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated a commitment to sustaining and deepening this crucial alliance, positioning it as a cornerstone of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape.
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