In a press briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said that the US works with India on key priorities, including the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue).
Title: The US-India Relationship: A Strategic Partnership Shaping the Global Order
Introduction

The relationship between the United States and India has evolved into one of the most significant and strategic partnerships of the 21st century. Described by the White House as “one of the most consequential” in the world, this bilateral relationship is rooted in shared democratic values, mutual interests, and a growing convergence on regional and global issues. Over the past two decades, the US and India have significantly deepened their cooperation in various domains, including defense, trade, technology, and climate change. This essay explores the historical context, current dynamics, and future prospects of the US-India relationship, highlighting its importance in shaping the global order.
Table of Contents
Historical Context: From Cold War Rivals to Strategic Partners
The US-India relationship has undergone a remarkable transformation since the Cold War era. During the Cold War, the two nations were often on opposite sides of the geopolitical spectrum. India, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, adopted a policy of non-alignment, refusing to formally align with either the US-led Western bloc or the Soviet Union. This stance, along with India’s close ties with the Soviet Union, led to a relationship characterized by mutual suspicion and occasional tension.
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However, the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the beginning of a new chapter in US-India relations. The liberalization of India’s economy in the early 1990s opened up new opportunities for economic engagement, and both countries began to recognize the strategic importance of each other in the emerging global order.
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The turning point in the relationship came in the early 2000s, particularly with the signing of the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008. This landmark deal not only symbolized a new level of trust and cooperation between the two nations but also marked India’s entry into the global nuclear order as a responsible state. Since then, the US-India relationship has grown exponentially, evolving into a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Current Dynamics: A Multifaceted Partnership
Today, the US-India relationship is characterized by robust cooperation across multiple domains. This partnership is not only bilateral but also plays a crucial role in shaping regional and global dynamics.
- Defense and Security Cooperation: Defense ties between the US and India have deepened significantly over the past two decades. The two countries have signed several foundational agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). These agreements have facilitated greater military interoperability, intelligence sharing, and defense technology cooperation. The US has also become one of India’s largest defense suppliers, providing advanced military equipment and platforms. Joint military exercises, such as the annual Malabar naval exercise, which includes Japan and Australia, underscore the growing security cooperation between the two nations. This partnership is particularly important in the context of China’s rising assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, where both the US and India share a common interest in maintaining a free, open, and rules-based order.
- Economic and Trade Relations: The US and India have developed a strong economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching over $140 billion in 2022. The US is one of India’s largest trading partners, and the two countries have also seen significant investment flows. American companies have invested heavily in India’s technology, manufacturing, and services sectors, while Indian firms have made substantial investments in the US, particularly in the information technology and pharmaceutical industries. Despite occasional trade disputes, such as disagreements over tariffs and market access, both countries have continued to work towards expanding their economic ties. Initiatives like the US-India Trade Policy Forum and the Strategic Energy Partnership aim to address trade barriers and enhance collaboration in key sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and digital economy.
- Technology and Innovation: Technology and innovation have become central pillars of the US-India partnership. The two countries are collaborating on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, cybersecurity, and space exploration. The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in 2023, seeks to foster innovation and develop new areas of cooperation in technology. Additionally, the US and India have a strong people-to-people connection, particularly in the technology sector. Indian professionals and students form a significant portion of the workforce and academia in the US, contributing to technological advancements and innovation. This human capital link strengthens the overall bilateral relationship and provides a solid foundation for future cooperation in emerging technologies.
- Climate Change and Clean Energy: Climate change is another area where the US and India have found common ground. As two of the world’s largest economies and greenhouse gas emitters, both countries recognize the importance of addressing climate change and transitioning to clean energy. The US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership, launched in 2021, aims to enhance cooperation on clean energy technologies, climate finance, and sustainable development. India’s ambitious renewable energy targets, particularly in solar and wind energy, align with the US’s goals of reducing global carbon emissions. The two countries are working together on initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, demonstrating their commitment to tackling global environmental challenges.
- Regional and Global Strategic Convergence: The US and India share a common vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are key members of the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), along with Japan and Australia, which seeks to promote stability, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad has gained prominence as a platform for addressing regional challenges, including maritime security, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance. Beyond the Indo-Pacific, the US and India also cooperate on global issues such as counterterrorism, non-proliferation, and global health. Their partnership in these areas reflects a growing strategic convergence on the need to uphold international norms and address common threats.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the US-India relationship has made significant strides, it is not without its challenges. Trade disputes, differences over human rights issues, and divergent views on certain geopolitical matters have occasionally strained the relationship. However, both countries have shown a willingness to address these challenges through dialogue and diplomacy.
One of the key challenges is managing the trade relationship. Despite the strong economic ties, there have been recurring disputes over tariffs, intellectual property rights, and market access. Both countries need to find ways to resolve these issues while expanding their trade and investment partnership.
Another challenge is navigating the complex geopolitical landscape, particularly with regard to China and Russia. India’s historical ties with Russia, especially in defense, and its strategic autonomy in foreign policy sometimes create friction with the US, particularly in the context of the US’s evolving policies towards these countries. However, both nations have managed to compartmentalize their differences while focusing on areas of mutual interest.
The future of the US-India relationship presents significant opportunities. As both countries continue to grow economically and strategically, their partnership can play a pivotal role in shaping the global order. Enhancing cooperation in areas such as technology, defense, and climate change will be crucial in addressing the challenges of the 21st century.
The US-India relationship also has the potential to serve as a model for other democracies around the world. As two of the largest democracies, the US and India can work together to promote democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law on the global stage. Their partnership can also contribute to global peace and stability by addressing transnational challenges such as terrorism, pandemics, and climate change.
Conclusion
The US-India relationship, described by the White House as one of the most consequential in the world, is a dynamic and evolving partnership that has far-reaching implications for both nations and the broader global order. Rooted in shared values and mutual interests, this relationship has grown to encompass a wide range of areas, including defense, trade, technology, and climate change. While challenges remain, the future of the US-India partnership is bright, with significant opportunities for collaboration on global issues. As the world’s two largest democracies, the US and India are well-positioned to shape the 21st century and contribute to a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable world.