 |
| Indian PM modi and US President Trump handshaking |
In today’s rapidly changing world, the bond between India and the United States has become one of the most closely watched relationships. It is not just about trade or military drills—it represents how two major democracies are preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. Let’s look at why this partnership matters, tracing its journey from the past to the present, and what it means for the future.
FROM DISTANCE TO CLOSENESS : A QUICK LOOK BACK
For decades, India and the U.S. were not always on the same
page. In the 1970s, during the South Asia war, Washington sided with Islamabad.
This move pushed New Delhi toward Moscow, leading to a two-decade friendship
with the Soviet Union.
Later, in 1998, when India conducted nuclear tests, Washington imposed sanctions. However, things began to shift after the turn of the century. Regular naval exercises such as Malabar signaled growing trust. By the late 2010s, both sides had signed several defense agreements covering logistics, communications, and intelligence sharing. These deals laid the groundwork for a deeper military connection.
TRADE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SPACE : EXPANDING BEYOND DEFENSE
Today, the relationship goes far beyond the security domain.
The United States is now India’s largest trading partner, with investments
flowing into areas like semiconductors, clean energy, health technology, and
artificial intelligence. This economic growth benefits both nations by creating
jobs, strengthening supply chains, and boosting innovation.
On the space front, NASA has assisted India’s lunar
programs, while both countries are planning major satellite collaborations
worth billions of dollars. Beyond space, the iCET framework—a special
dialogue launched in recent years—is encouraging cooperation in quantum
science, telecommunications, biotech, and next-generation defense systems.
This shift shows that the bond is not only about weapons or military exercises but also about creating a future driven by research, technology, and knowledge sharing.
SHARED DEMOCRATIC SPIRIT
One of the biggest strengths of this relationship is the
similarity in political values. Both India and the United States are
pluralistic democracies where diversity and freedom play central roles.
In a world where authoritarian models are on the rise, this shared democratic spirit allows both countries to stand together as protectors of open societies. For Washington, India offers a trusted Asian partner that can help shape the Indo-Pacific order. For New Delhi, the U.S. provides access to technology, markets, and global influence.
BALANCING A RISING CHINA
A major reason for this closer bond is the challenge posed
by Beijing’s growing power. China has been expanding its reach in Asia, from
building infrastructure projects to asserting control over sea lanes. Both
India and the U.S. are concerned about this expansion.
By joining hands, they can ensure that trade routes remain open, smaller nations are not forced into one-sided deals, and the Indo-Pacific stays free from domination. Military drills, intelligence sharing, and joint defense production are all tools to counterbalance China’s aggressive approach.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS ( 2025 )
Despite ups and downs, the past two years have shown how
resilient the relationship has become:
- September
2025 : Armies of both nations held joint drills in Alaska, focusing on
mountain warfare and drone defense.
- Trade
talks ongoing : Negotiations are taking place to resolve tariff
disputes, with hopes for a deal by late 2025.
- Political
voices in Washington : U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna warned that high
tariffs risk pushing India toward Russia or China.
- Balanced
approach by New Delhi : Minister Piyush Goyal stressed that India’s
national interest is the top priority, though ties with Washington remain
highly valued.
- U.S.
policy circles : Several American leaders have openly declared India
as essential for meeting future security needs, alongside other major
partners like Saudi Arabia.
These developments show that while disagreements exist, the broader partnership continues to grow stronger.
CHALLENGES ON THE ROAD AHEAD
Every close relationship comes with challenges, and this one
is no different.
- Tariff
disputes continue to trouble trade relations.
- Strategic
independence remains key for India, which prefers to keep ties with
multiple powers, not just Washington.
- Global
uncertainty, including conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, could
test how both countries align their priorities.
Even so, the overall direction points toward deeper cooperation rather than distance.
WHY THIS BOND MATTERS GLOBALLY
Looking at the big picture, here’s why the India–US
partnership is so critical:
- Counterweight
to China – Together, they create balance in Asia, making it harder for
one country to dominate.
- Technology
leadership – Joint work in AI, defense systems, renewable energy, and
space strengthens global innovation.
- Economic
growth – More trade, jobs, and investments flow between them, boosting
prosperity.
- Democratic
alliance – They stand as a combined voice for democratic systems,
especially as authoritarian models rise.
- Global governance – By working together, they influence how new rules and standards are set for emerging economies.
SUMMARY : A PARTNERSHIP FOR TOMORROW
The journey from mistrust in the 1970s to strategic
closeness today shows how far India and the United States have come. This
partnership is no longer limited to defense—it covers technology, trade,
climate, and global leadership.
As the world faces new challenges—from climate change to authoritarian expansion—the coming decades will test how strongly both countries can stand together. If they continue to build trust and expand cooperation, the India–US partnership will not just benefit them, but also shape the future balance of global politics.
FAQS ON US-INDIA STRATEGIC TIES
1. What’s the latest on military collaboration between
India and the US ?
- The
two nations recently launched their largest-ever joint Army exercise,
Yudh Abhyas, in Alaska, focusing on high-altitude warfare and
counter-drone operations. It's a testament to the resilience of defense
ties despite trade disputes.
- Additionally,
naval collaboration continues with the upcoming Malabar exercise,
involving Quad participants in the Western Pacific.
2. Where do trade negotiations currently stand ?
- India’s
Commerce Minister, Piyush Goyal, stated that both countries aim to
finalize a bilateral trade agreement by November 2025.
- Amid
the talks, $1 billion in funding has been committed by joint
US–India venture capital and PE firms to boost India’s deep tech startups
over the next decade.
3. How are energy and geopolitics affecting the
relationship ?
- Despite
growing tensions, including 50% US tariffs on certain Indian exports,
India continues to maintain strong energy ties with Russia,
especially in oil imports. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that those
partnerships remain strategically vital.
4. What is the significance of the recent remarks from US
leaders ?
- US
Vice President J.D. Vance warned during his visit to India that without
strong collaboration, the 21st century could become “a very dark time”
for all of humanity. He underscored the importance of deepening
cooperation in areas like trade, defense, and technology.
5. What’s happening in tech and innovation cooperation ?
- A new
joint initiative involving eight venture capital/private equity firms will
infuse over $1 billion into India’s deep tech sector—highlighting
growing collaboration in AI, quantum computing, robotics, and advanced
materials.
6. Who’s being appointed to strengthen strategic ties ?
- The US-India
Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has inducted Uday Shankar
(Bodhi Tree Systems/JioStar) and Joe Creed (CEO of Caterpillar)
onto its Board of Directors, showcasing an emphasis on leadership from
both sides to deepen economic and strategic engagement
