India and Global Superpowers: USA

Viewpoint

India and the United States share a multifaceted relationship based on shared democratic values, strategic interests, and economic ties.

Areas of Cooperation

Historical Background
- 1947-1990s: Limited engagement due to Cold War alignments
- Post-1991: Economic liberalization in India and the end of the Cold War marked a turning point in bilateral relations.
Political Cooperation
- Multiple platforms like I2U2, QUAD, G20, ASEAN Regional Forum and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and USA is a dialogue partner in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
- In the sphere of environment, both countries are members of the International Solar Alliance.
Strategic and Defense Cooperation
- Key Agreements:
  - GSOMIA (2002): GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement) is a military information agreement.
  - LEMOA (2016): Allows mutual logistical support between armed forces.
  - COMCASA (2018): Facilitates encrypted communication and interoperability.
  - BECA(2020): Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement.
- Joint Military Exercises:
  - Malabar Exercise: Annual naval exercise involving India, the US, and Japan.
  - Yudh Abhyas: Bilateral army exercise focusing on counter-terrorism operations.
  - Vajra Prahar: Bilateral military exercise.
- Defense Sales:
  - India has purchased advanced defense equipment like Apache helicopters and C-17 Globemaster aircraft from the US.India – USA Relations.
Economic and Trade Relations
- Bilateral Trade:
  - The US is one of India’s largest trading partners, with trade in goods and services exceeding $140 billion in 2022.
- Investment
  - US companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have significant investments in India.
  - Indian companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys have a strong presence in the US.
- Initiatives
  - Trade Policy Forum: Addresses trade barriers and promotes investment.
  - US-India CEO Forum: Facilitates dialogue between business leaders.
Technological and Scientific Collaboration
- Energy:
  - US-India Strategic Energy Partnership: Focuses on clean energy, oil and gas, and energy security.
- Space:
  - Collaboration between NASA and ISRO on missions like the NISAR satellite.
- Digital Innovation
  - iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies): Promotes cooperation in AI, quantum computing, and 5G technology.
People-to-People Ties
- Indian Diaspora:
  - Over 4 million Indian-Americans contribute to various sectors in the US.
  - Prominent figures include CEOs like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft).
- Educational Exchanges:
  - Thousands of Indian students pursue higher education in the US, fostering academic and cultural ties.
- Cultural Programs:
  - Festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated widely in the US, enhancing cultural understanding.

Challenges and Divergences

Trade Disputes:
- Issues like tariffs on steel and aluminum and market access for agricultural products.
Visa Policies:
- H-1B visa regulations impact Indian professionals in the US tech industry.
Global Issues:
- Differing stances on climate change policies and international conflicts.
- India’s engagement with both US as well as its membership in SCO at the same time.
- India’s oil purchase from Russia is frowned upon by the US.
Chabahar Port Issue
- India’s investment in the port has raised concerns for the US and its allies.

Significance of India – USA Relations

Containment of China: India needs to fully engage with the US in the Indo-Pacific region to preserve freedom of navigation and rules-based order and to contain China.
World Order: India-US relations remain critical for shaping the world order in modern times.
Complete unfinished agreements and set the course for a comprehensive strategic global partnership