Strengthening the India-US Relationship: A Path to Economic and Military Synergy

Joe Biden, who was a senator at the time, stated in 2006 that he hoped for India and the United States to become the closest allies. Even if they might not have reached that degree of intimacy by 2020, current President Biden is making substantial efforts to improve ties between the two nations, particularly in the fields of defence and commerce. The recent trip to Washington by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves as further evidence of the two countries’ expanding strategic alliance. This article examines efforts to strengthen military and economic links between the two countries, noting their common goals, possible advantages, and the contribution of technology to this mutually beneficial partnership.

Economic Cooperation: A Key Driver

With the dual goals of reducing India’s military reliance on Russia and diversifying U.S. supply chains away from China, the United States seeks to further integrate India into its industrial and defense sectors. Prime Minister Modi’s visit is more than merely symbolic; it signals a commitment to developing real business relations. Both countries have been involved in discussions over critical topics including fighter jet engines and semiconductor chips, while the specifics of the upcoming announcements are still being kept under wraps. Prior to Modi’s visit, Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited New Delhi, further solidifying these negotiations. According to recent reports, India and the United States have agreed that India will buy more than twenty American drones, demonstrating the development of defense cooperation.

Technology as the Force Multiplier

Although there have been difficulties in the India-US relationship in the past, both countries now see technology as a key area for strengthening their bonds. Technology is one area where the potential for symbiosis is particularly clear because it serves as a master key to unlock the relationship’s true potential. Officials from both sides have been laying the foundation for cooperation in crucial and emerging technology over the past few months. The National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval inaugurated the initiative on critical and emerging technology (iCET), which covers topics including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, semiconductors, and defense technologies. The development of INDUS-X (India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem) and the signing of a bilateral semiconductor supply chain agreement during Austin’s visit are examples of the coordinated efforts to improve cooperation in these fields.

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Defense Collaboration: A Marriage of Convenience

The most significant areas of cooperation between India and the United States are in the defence industry. A notable shift in the two countries’ defence technology cooperation is the cooperative development of military vehicles, long-range artillery, and jet engines. This relationship involves true technology transfer, a significant advancement, and goes beyond simple Indian manufacture. India has expanded the types of military equipment it imports in response to Russia’s involvement in the Ukrainian conflict and its growing proximity to China. The US sees this as an opportunity to strengthen defence ties and persuade India to make more purchases from US friends and partners. The United States has the chance to strengthen its strategic collaboration with India by overcoming past concerns about India’s alliance with Russia.

Shared Concerns: China’s Influence

India and the United States have become more friendly as a result of China’s rise to global dominance and its regional policies. Military confrontations and border tensions have contributed to the decline in India and China’s relationship. India has responded by taking measures to lessen its reliance on Chinese technology, such as prohibiting well-known applications like TikTok. India’s worries have increased as a result of China’s naval buildup in the Indian Ocean, underscoring the significance of the Quad group of nations—India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. India is being deliberately promoted as a potential option while the United States and its allies strive to lessen reliance on China’s IT supply chains. India is a desirable replacement due to its big labor population, knowledgeable engineers, and competitive manufacturing rates. Additionally, the enormous domestic market in India presents huge prospects for American businesses.

India-US relations will be strengthened as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the US, especially in the areas of defence and trade. Both countries have established the foundation for collaboration in important and developing technological fields since they are aware of the potential for symbiosis. Significant prospects for cooperation exist in the defence sector, allowing India to diversify its military equipment supply while advancing knowledge transfer with the US. In an effort to lessen their reliance on China, India and the United States are working together more closely as a result of China’s ascent and its actions in the region. Technology and shared concerns have increasingly shaped the India-US relationship in this changing geopolitical environment, creating potential for mutual gain and cooperation.