India-US Bilateral Relations

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Transformation in India-US Bilateral Relations
• The Agenda for the Indian PM's Recent Visit to the US

 Why in News?

• As the Prime Minister of India is on his 3-day visit to America, to meet the US President and participate in the 6th QUAD summit, there is the need to analyse the transformation in the India - US ties over the years.

Transformation in India-US Bilateral Relations:

• Background:
  • The US-India ties have gone through years of ups and downs over the last 75 years.
  • For example, the US imposed sanctions on India after it conducted two nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, and then the normalisation of relations, which culminated in the Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008.
  • The US is India's largest trading partner with a bilateral trade in goods and services crossing US$ 191 billion in 2022.
• Transformation in relations:
  • The 1st transformation was roughly between 2001 - when George W Bush came to power - and the end of the Donald J Trump presidency.
    • In this phase, the US has been accommodating to India's key national interests while still acknowledging unresolved concerns.
  • The 2nd transformation was during the tenure of the 46th President of the US - Joe Biden.
• The Modi-Biden era:
  • This era emphasised upon mutual interests and strategic alignment, particularly in response to China's growing influence.
  • In 2023, National Security Advisors (NSA) on both sides inaugurated the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
  • The establishment of the Strategic Trade Dialogue and ongoing defence exercises highlight their commitment to sustaining the momentum in their relationship.
  • Five 2+2 meetings (with respective defence and foreign ministers) have taken place, and the supply of C-130Js, C-17s, P8Is, Apaches, Chinooks, and MH60R helicopters are changing capabilities for the Indian military.
• Challenges faced during the Modi-Biden era:
  • India’s increasing import of oil and deep military dependencies on Russia.
  • The respective stakes at play regarding the war in Ukraine, differing views on the meaning of rights, and the effects of an alleged Indian intelligence-led operation on American soil.
  • However, these challenges have left the strategic design for deeper partnerships between the two countries largely untouched.
  • The deeper partnerships between the two countries are expected to be sustained as the 47th American president is elected later this year.

The Agenda for the Indian PM's Recent Visit to the US:

• Boosting bilateral ties: The two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation across various sectors, highlighting that both nations now enjoy a “comprehensive global strategic partnership.”
• Expanding India's global role: President Biden praised India's leadership on the world stage, highlighting India’s role -
  • During the G20 presidentship,
  • In strengthening the Quad,
  • Reinforcing the need for a “free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” etc.
• Space to semiconductors:
  • Both Leaders committed to enhance regular engagements to improve the momentum of collaboration in fields such as space, AI, quantum, biotechnology, etc.
  • They hailed plans for a semiconductor fabrication plant, which will support national security and next-generation telecommunications.
• Impetus to defence ties:
  • President Biden welcomed the progress in India’s procurement of 31 General Atomics MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft, which will enhance India's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
  • Biden also highlighted India’s decision to simplify its tax structure on maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, calling it a significant step for building a robust aviation ecosystem.
• Clean energy initiatives: The White House announced that initial efforts aim to unlock $1 billion of multilateral financing to support projects across the clean energy value chain.
• Promoting global health and development:
  • The two leaders celebrated the new US-India Drug Policy Framework, designed to combat the illicit production and trafficking of synthetic drugs.
  • They also applauded the inaugural U.S.-India Cancer Dialogue, as tackling cancer requires collaboration and innovation.
  • Both sides highlighted enhanced cooperation in agriculture, committing to improve productivity and share best practices.

Q.1. What is the India-US initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)?

Announced by the Indian PM and the US President on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Tokyo in 2023, iCET is a collaborative framework to enhance cooperation in developing fields of technology. The initiative is to be led by the National Security Council Secretariat in India and the US National Security Council.

Q.2. What is the significance of Quad Alliance?

The Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient.

Source: Biden, Modi meet ahead of Quad; China, Ukraine, Israel on table

HT