26 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express

2 min

International RelationsNEWS

Jaishankar Discusses Trade, Security with US Lawmakers

External Affairs Minister engages with US Congress on trade, security cooperation.

Photo by Santhosh Sethumadhavan

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with US lawmakers, including Congressman Greg Landsman, focusing on strengthening trade and security cooperation between India and the United States. The talks covered a range of topics, including economic partnerships, regional security concerns, and opportunities for enhanced collaboration in various sectors. The meeting underscores the ongoing efforts to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral relations, impact of policies of developed countries on India's interests

GS Paper 3: Security - Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

Potential question types: Analyzing the evolution of Indo-US relations, assessing the significance of the Quad, evaluating the challenges and opportunities in trade relations

Visual Insights

India-US Strategic Partnership: Key Areas of Cooperation

This map highlights key areas and locations relevant to the India-US strategic partnership, including trade hubs, security interests, and diplomatic centers.

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📍Washington, D.C.📍New Delhi📍Mumbai📍Silicon Valley📍Indo-Pacific Region

More Information

Background

The strategic partnership between India and the United States has evolved significantly since the end of the Cold War. Initially, relations were often strained due to differing geopolitical alignments, particularly India's non-aligned stance and close ties with the Soviet Union. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union and India's economic liberalization in the 1990s paved the way for closer cooperation.

Key milestones include the 'Next Steps in Strategic Partnership' (NSSP) initiative in 2004, which focused on civilian nuclear cooperation, space, and high-technology trade. The Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008 marked a turning point, signifying a deeper level of trust and strategic convergence. Subsequent administrations in both countries have built upon this foundation, expanding cooperation in areas such as defense, counter-terrorism, and cybersecurity.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the India-US relationship has witnessed further consolidation, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific strategy and the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), which includes India, the US, Japan, and Australia. The focus has shifted towards countering China's growing assertiveness in the region. Defense cooperation has deepened through joint military exercises and arms sales.

Economically, trade between the two countries has grown, but there are ongoing discussions regarding market access and trade imbalances. Future outlook involves continued collaboration on emerging technologies, climate change, and global health security. The Biden administration has emphasized strengthening alliances and partnerships, indicating a sustained commitment to the India-US strategic partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key areas of discussion between S. Jaishankar and US lawmakers, and why are they important for UPSC Prelims?

The discussions focused on strengthening trade and security cooperation between India and the United States. These topics are important for Prelims as they relate to India's bilateral relations and strategic interests.

2. How has the strategic partnership between India and the US evolved since the end of the Cold War? (Conceptual Question)

Initially strained due to differing geopolitical alignments, the partnership strengthened after India's economic liberalization and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Current developments focus on the Indo-Pacific strategy and countering China's assertiveness.

3. What is the significance of the Indo-Pacific strategy and the Quad in the context of India-US relations?

The Indo-Pacific strategy and the Quad (India, US, Japan, and Australia) are crucial for countering China's growing influence in the region. This collaboration signifies a deepening strategic alignment between India and the US.

4. Why is the meeting between Jaishankar and US lawmakers considered important in current affairs?

The meeting is important because it underscores the ongoing efforts to deepen the strategic partnership between India and the United States, especially concerning trade and regional security.

5. How might enhanced trade and security cooperation with the US impact India's economic and strategic interests? (Interview Question)

Enhanced cooperation can boost India's economy through increased trade and investment. Strategically, it strengthens India's position in the Indo-Pacific region and provides support in addressing regional security concerns.

6. What are the potential challenges in strengthening trade relations between India and the US?

Potential challenges include trade imbalances, differing regulatory standards, and protectionist measures. Addressing these issues requires negotiation and compromise on both sides.

7. What are the recent developments in defense cooperation between India and the US?

Recent developments include joint military exercises and arms sales, indicating a deepening defense partnership aimed at enhancing interoperability and addressing shared security concerns.

8. How does the discussion between Jaishankar and US lawmakers relate to the broader context of bilateral trade?

The discussion directly relates to bilateral trade by exploring opportunities for enhanced collaboration in various sectors, potentially leading to increased trade volumes and investment flows between the two countries.

9. What are the key takeaways for UPSC Mains regarding India-US relations from this news?

For UPSC Mains, focus on the evolving strategic partnership, the importance of trade and security cooperation, and the role of the Indo-Pacific strategy. Analyze the implications for India's foreign policy and regional security.

10. In your opinion, what should be India's top priorities in its relationship with the United States? (Interview Question)

India's top priorities should include strengthening economic ties, enhancing defense cooperation, and collaborating on global issues such as climate change and counter-terrorism, while safeguarding its strategic autonomy.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following initiatives is/are associated with strengthening strategic cooperation between India and the United States? 1. Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) 2. Indo-US Nuclear Deal 3. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three initiatives have significantly contributed to strengthening strategic cooperation between India and the United States. The NSSP (launched in 2004) focused on civilian nuclear cooperation, space, and high-technology trade. The Indo-US Nuclear Deal (2008) marked a turning point in bilateral relations. The Quad, involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, aims to promote a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, enhancing security cooperation.

2. 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. The Quad includes India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. 3. The idea of the Quad was first conceptualized in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Quad is not a military alliance, although it involves security cooperation. Its primary focus is on promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Quad includes India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The idea of the Quad was first conceptualized in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, when these four countries coordinated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

3. Which of the following statements accurately describes a key aspect of the Indo-US nuclear deal signed in 2008?

A.It allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology while remaining outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
B.It mandated India to completely dismantle its existing nuclear weapons program.
C.It required the United States to provide India with nuclear weapons technology.
D.It prohibited India from engaging in any further nuclear research and development activities.

Show Answer

Answer: A

Option A is correct. The Indo-US nuclear deal, signed in 2008, allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology and fuel from international markets while remaining outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In exchange, India agreed to separate its civilian and military nuclear facilities and place its civilian facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.