Background Context
The India-U.S. relationship has seen significant shifts since India's independence in 1947. Initially, relations were lukewarm due to India's non-aligned stance during the Cold War. The U.S. leaned towards Pakistan, viewing it as a crucial ally against Soviet influence. Key turning points include the 1962 Sino-Indian War, which led to increased U.S. military assistance to India, and the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which strained relations due to U.S. support for Pakistan. The end of the Cold War and India's economic liberalization in the 1990s paved the way for closer ties, culminating in the landmark civilian nuclear agreement in 2008, which signified a strategic partnership despite India's nuclear status outside the NPT.
Current Developments
Recent years have witnessed both deepening cooperation and emerging frictions in India-U.S. relations. The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) involving India, the U.S., Japan, and Australia has strengthened security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, primarily aimed at countering China's growing influence. However, disagreements persist on issues such as trade, intellectual property rights, and India's relationship with Russia, particularly regarding arms purchases and energy imports. The U.S. has expressed concerns over India's human rights record and treatment of minorities. Looking ahead, the relationship is expected to navigate a complex landscape of shared interests and divergent priorities, requiring careful diplomacy and strategic alignment.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad):
1. The Quad is a military alliance aimed at containing China's expansion in the South China Sea.
2. All Quad member states participate in the annual Malabar naval exercise.
3. The Quad focuses exclusively on maritime security and excludes cooperation on other areas like vaccine distribution and climate change.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Quad is not a military alliance but a security dialogue. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Quad also focuses on areas like vaccine distribution and climate change.
Question 2
Which of the following factors contributed to the initial lukewarm relationship between India and the United States after India's independence?
1. India's non-aligned stance during the Cold War.
2. U.S. support for Pakistan as a counterweight to Soviet influence.
3. India's socialist economic policies that discouraged foreign investment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three factors contributed to the initial lukewarm relationship. India's non-alignment, U.S. support for Pakistan, and India's socialist economic policies all played a role.
Question 3
Assertion (A): The Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear agreement of 2008 marked a significant turning point in bilateral relations.
Reason (R): The agreement recognized India as a responsible nuclear power despite not being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- A is true but R is false
- A is false but R is true
Explanation: Both the assertion and reason are correct, and the reason correctly explains why the agreement was a turning point. It signified a strategic partnership despite India's nuclear status outside the NPT.
Question 4
Which of the following statements accurately reflects a recent point of contention in India-U.S. trade relations?
A) The U.S. has consistently praised India's intellectual property rights regime, leading to smoother trade negotiations.
B) India's imposition of tariffs on certain U.S. agricultural products has been a source of friction.
C) The U.S. has expressed no concerns regarding India's data localization policies.
D) India has completely eliminated tariffs on all U.S. imports, fostering a harmonious trade environment.
Explanation: India's tariffs on certain U.S. agricultural products have been a point of contention, leading to trade disputes and negotiations.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2024 2024
Which of the following statements best describes the current state of India-U.S. relations, as suggested by recent developments?
- (a) A period of unprecedented strategic convergence and mutual trust.
- (b) A stable partnership unaffected by domestic political considerations in either country.
- (c) A relationship experiencing growing strains due to diverging economic and geopolitical interests.
- (d) A temporary setback easily resolved through high-level diplomatic engagements.
Explanation: The summary indicates growing turbulence due to legislative actions in the U.S. and differing views on geopolitical issues, suggesting diverging interests.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 2024
Discuss the factors contributing to the perceived 'turbulence' in India-U.S. relations. How might these challenges impact India's foreign policy objectives, and what strategies can India adopt to navigate this evolving dynamic?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2024 2024
Which U.S. Senator proposed a bill seeking sanctions on India over its trade relations with Russia, as mentioned in the given context?
- (a) Bernie Sanders
- (b) Chuck Schumer
- (c) Lindsey Graham
- (d) Mitch McConnell
Explanation: According to the summary, Senator Lindsey Graham proposed the bill seeking sanctions on India.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2024 2024
According to the Congress party's statement, which former U.S. President's actions are contributing to the 'new abnormal' in India-U.S. relations?
- (a) Barack Obama
- (b) George W. Bush
- (c) Bill Clinton
- (d) Donald Trump
Explanation: The summary mentions Trump's continued praise of Pakistan's army chief as a contributing factor.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2024 2024
Which sector would be most directly affected by a 25% tax on 'outsourcing payments' from American companies, as proposed by Senator Bernie Moreno?
- (a) Agriculture
- (b) Manufacturing
- (c) Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
- (d) Retail
Explanation: Outsourcing payments are primarily related to the IT and BPO sectors, which provide services to American companies from overseas.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2024 2024
What is the potential impact of U.S. sanctions on India due to its trade with Russia on the Indian banking sector?
- (a) Increased foreign investment
- (b) Reduced access to international financial markets
- (c) Higher interest rates on domestic loans
- (d) No significant impact
Explanation: Sanctions can restrict Indian banks' access to international financial markets and transactions, impacting their ability to conduct business globally.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2024 2024
Which country's army chief's praise by a former U.S. President is cited as a factor contributing to the 'new abnormal' in India-U.S. relations?
- (a) Bangladesh
- (b) Afghanistan
- (c) India
- (d) Pakistan
Explanation: The summary mentions Trump's praise of Pakistan's army chief.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2024 2024
The term 'strategic autonomy' is often used in the context of India's foreign policy. Which of the following best describes what 'strategic autonomy' means for India?
- (a) Complete isolation from global affairs
- (b) Alignment with a single superpower
- (c) The ability to make independent decisions based on its own national interests
- (d) Unconditional support for international organizations
Explanation: Strategic autonomy implies the ability to make independent decisions without being dictated by other countries or blocs.