2 minPolitical Concept
Political Concept

India-US Strategic Partnership

What is India-US Strategic Partnership?

A comprehensive and multi-faceted relationship between India and the United States, characterized by growing convergence of strategic interests, deepening economic ties, robust defense cooperation, and increasing collaboration on global issues.

Historical Background

The relationship has evolved significantly from the Cold War era (characterized by India's non-alignment and US's alignment with Pakistan) to a 'natural alliance' in the 21st century. Post-1990s economic liberalization in India and the end of the Cold War paved the way for closer ties, accelerating after the 2000s with initiatives like the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) and the civil nuclear deal.

Key Points

9 points
  • 1.

    Defense Cooperation: Joint military exercises (Malabar, Yudh Abhyas), defense technology transfer, foundational agreements (LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA), India designated as a Major Defense Partner.

  • 2.

    Economic Ties: Bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion (2022-23), significant FDI, cooperation in technology, innovation, and energy.

  • 3.

    Strategic Convergence: Shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific; cooperation in QUAD, I2U2, G20.

  • 4.

    People-to-People Connect: Large Indian diaspora in the US, educational exchanges, tourism, cultural ties.

  • 5.

    Counter-Terrorism: Intelligence sharing and joint efforts against global terrorism.

  • 6.

    Global Issues: Collaboration on climate change, health security, space exploration, critical and emerging technologies (CET).

  • 7.

    High-Level Engagements: Regular visits and dialogues between heads of state and ministers.

  • 8.

    Multilateral Cooperation: Working together in UN, WTO, and other international forums.

  • 9.

    Challenges: Trade disputes, visa issues, differing stances on certain geopolitical events.

Visual Insights

Evolution of India-US Strategic Partnership

Timeline showing the key milestones in the evolution of the India-US Strategic Partnership.

The India-US relationship has evolved significantly over time, from a period of non-alignment during the Cold War to a strategic partnership based on shared values and converging interests.

  • 1991India's economic liberalization; improved relations
  • 1998India's nuclear tests; initial sanctions from the US
  • 2001September 11 attacks; increased counter-terrorism cooperation
  • 2008Civil Nuclear Agreement; a major milestone
  • 2016LEMOA signed
  • 2018COMCASA signed
  • 2020BECA signed
  • 2023Launch of iCET to deepen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies
  • 2026India and US collaborate on AI with shared democratic values

India-US Strategic Partnership Components

Mind map illustrating the key components of the India-US Strategic Partnership, including defense, trade, technology, and energy.

India-US Strategic Partnership

  • Defense Cooperation
  • Trade and Investment
  • Science and Technology
  • Energy Cooperation

Recent Developments

7 developments

Elevation of the relationship to a 'Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.'

Launch of the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) to deepen cooperation in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, and defense.

India's designation as a Major Defense Partner by the US.

Increased focus on supply chain resilience and diversification, particularly post-COVID-19.

Growing convergence on Indo-Pacific strategy, including through the QUAD.

Prime Minister Modi's state visit to the US and President Biden's visit to India for G20.

Efforts to resolve trade disputes and finalize a BTA to further strengthen economic pillars.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Source Topic

India and US Collaboration on AI: Shared Democratic Values

International Relations

UPSC Relevance

Extremely important for UPSC GS Paper 2 (International Relations, Bilateral Relations, Foreign Policy). Frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains, covering geopolitical significance, economic impact, and defense ties.

Evolution of India-US Strategic Partnership

Timeline showing the key milestones in the evolution of the India-US Strategic Partnership.

1991

India's economic liberalization; improved relations

1998

India's nuclear tests; initial sanctions from the US

2001

September 11 attacks; increased counter-terrorism cooperation

2008

Civil Nuclear Agreement; a major milestone

2016

LEMOA signed

2018

COMCASA signed

2020

BECA signed

2023

Launch of iCET to deepen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies

2026

India and US collaborate on AI with shared democratic values

Connected to current news

India-US Strategic Partnership Components

Mind map illustrating the key components of the India-US Strategic Partnership, including defense, trade, technology, and energy.

India-US Strategic Partnership

Joint Military Exercises (Malabar)

Growing Bilateral Trade

Cooperation in AI

Renewable Energy Technologies

Connections
Defense CooperationTrade And Investment
Trade And InvestmentScience And Technology
Science And TechnologyEnergy Cooperation