Source: The Hindu
In order to expand India’s energy purchases from the United States, the two countries agreed to negotiate the first agreement by the fall of 2025.
The United States of America made it possible for Tahawwur Rana, who was wanted in India in relation to the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist assault, to be extradited.
As part of “Mission 500,” the two parties decided to more than increase their bilateral commerce to $500 billion by 2030. To guarantee India’s energy security, the United States of America will expand its oil and gas commerce. Infrastructure spending for energy will also rise.
India’s energy purchases from the United States could rise from $15 billion last year to $25 billion in the near future, according to the Foreign Secretary. Additionally, the two nations decided to collaborate on India’s Small Modular Reactors.
As part of their energy relationship, the two countries decided to build U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India together and to fully operationalize the U.S.-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement.
In terms of technology cooperation, the United States and India announced a partnership called “Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology” to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors and to support the use of critical and emerging technologies in a variety of fields, including biotechnology, energy, and space. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology has been replaced by TRUST, the technology pillar of COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology for the 21st century)
This strategy will include U.S. investments to create robust supply chains, like the semiconductor factory in India.
In addition to restating the QUAD, the two parties agreed to hold a meeting with IMEC group and I2U2 partners in six months to unveil additional multilateral cooperation projects.
Model Question:
Discuss the evolution of India-USA relations in the post-Cold War era. Highlight the recent developments in bilateral ties and their implications for global geopolitics.
Model Answer:
The India-USA relationship has undergone a significant transformation since the end of the Cold War. From being estranged democracies during the Cold War to becoming strategic partners in the 21st century, the relationship has been marked by growing convergence on economic, strategic, and geopolitical issues. Recent developments have further strengthened this partnership, with implications for global geopolitics.
Evolution of India-USA Relations in the Post-Cold War Era:
- 1990s: Economic Reforms and Initial Engagement
- India’s economic liberalization in 1991 opened doors for closer economic ties with the USA.
- The USA supported India’s economic reforms and began to view India as a potential market and partner.
- 2000s: Strategic Partnership and Civil Nuclear Deal
- The signing of the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008 was a landmark moment, symbolizing a new era of trust and cooperation.
- The USA recognized India as a responsible nuclear power, and the deal marked a shift in India’s global standing.
- 2010s: Defence and Security Cooperation
- Defence ties deepened with the signing of foundational agreements like LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), and BECA (2020).
- The USA became one of India’s largest defence suppliers, and joint military exercises like Malabar expanded in scope.
- 2020s: Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
- The relationship has expanded to include cooperation on technology, climate change, and global health.
- The USA has supported India’s position on issues like cross-border terrorism and its role in the Indo-Pacific.
Recent Developments in Bilateral Ties:
- Quad and Indo-Pacific Cooperation
- India and the USA, along with Japan and Australia, have revitalized the Quad as a platform for ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- This reflects a shared commitment to countering China’s assertive behavior in the region.
- Technology and Innovation Partnership
- Initiatives like the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) aim to strengthen collaboration in areas like AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.
- The USA has supported India’s efforts to build a resilient supply chain and reduce dependence on China.
- Climate Change and Clean Energy
- Both countries have collaborated on climate goals, including the International Solar Alliance and the Green Strategic Partnership.
- The USA has supported India’s transition to renewable energy and its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
- Defence and Security
- The USA has emerged as a key defence partner for India, with significant arms sales and technology transfers.
- Joint exercises and intelligence-sharing have enhanced counterterrorism and maritime security cooperation.
- Trade and Economic Ties
- Bilateral trade has grown significantly, crossing $150 billion in 2022.
- Efforts are underway to resolve trade disputes and deepen economic integration.
Implications for Global Geopolitics:
- Countering China’s Influence
- The India-USA partnership is a key pillar of the broader strategy to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
- Multilateralism and Global Governance
- Both countries are working together to reform global institutions like the UN and WTO, reflecting their shared commitment to a rules-based international order.
- Regional Stability
- The partnership contributes to stability in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific, addressing challenges like terrorism, piracy, and maritime security.
- Technological Leadership
- Collaboration in emerging technologies positions both countries as leaders in shaping the future of global technology governance.
The India-USA relationship has evolved into a comprehensive global strategic partnership, driven by shared democratic values and converging geopolitical interests. Recent developments have further solidified this partnership, with significant implications for global geopolitics. As both nations navigate a complex and rapidly changing world, their collaboration will play a crucial role in shaping a stable, prosperous, and rules-based international order.
