Aditi Choudhary
” In the past few years, there have been many advances in AI – Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there have been even more momentous developments in another AI- America and India.” – PM Modi
The first State visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US on 21st June is being hailed as a watershed moment for burgeoning Indo-US relations. Mistrust, scepticism and suspicion during the Cold War soured the relations of the two largest democracies of the world up until the dawn of the 21st century, when under President George W Bush, USA began to redefine its engagement with India based on pragmatism and shared interests.
This transformation of bilateral relationship into strategic partnership is emblematic of increased convergence of interests between the two on multiple issues and levels driven by geoeconomic and geostrategic considerations.
Outcomes of the visit :
“India and the US are working together in space and in the seas, in science and in semiconductors, in start-ups and sustainability, in tech and in trade, in farming and finance, in art and artificial intelligence, in energy and education, in healthcare and humanitarian efforts.” This statement delivered by our Prime Minister while addressing the joint session of US Congress, broadly highlights the extent of India-US cooperation : technological, defence and security, economic engagement, healthcare and education as well as cultural domains.
The visit has produced multiple partnerships and initiatives across the spectrum like the crucial jet engine deal, signing of Artemis Accords by India, human spaceflight cooperation, joint task force on climate change, setting up semiconductor facilities in India, combating terrorism,opening of new consulates in both the countries etc.
Defence and technological cooperation
The momentum for this visit was laid down by the launch of Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) early this year. This includes semiconductors, quantum computing, space cooperation and wireless communication which is expected to deepen the technological cooperation between the two, concomitantly, building resilient, safe and secure supply chains. Evidently, defence and industrial cooperation for co production and codevelopment is going to steer the next phase of relations. Cooperation on the space front is already underway with ISRO and NASA working on the NISAR mission for remote sensing as well as Space Situational Awareness arrangement.
In this context, turning back annals of history we find a prominent example of Deng Xiaoping, the Chinese premier who sought to normalise relations with the USA in the late 1970s, in order to receive foreign capital and technology which benefited its economy immensely. Could this be India’s moment to capture this opportunity to turn into an economic powerhouse ?
India has been a Major Defence Partner of the US since 2016 while maintaining its strategic autonomy. Both are promoting joint innovation on defence technologies with the launch of INDUS-X, giving a boost to start-ups in the defence sector. India has to modernise and develop its industrial capabilities to close the widening gap with the Chinese and effectively counter its aggressive actions. New Delhi has already signed foundational agreements with the USA concerning logistics, communication and geospatial information exchange (LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA) which might have played a role in India thwarting the PLA incursion in Tawang last December.
Furthermore, New Delhi is seeking to diversify its defence procurement needs amidst the Russia- Ukraine war and also reduce import dependence. The US is willing to support India as is witnessed in the jet engine tech transfer, procurement of MQ-98 drones by India. Ever present Chinese threat, its expansionist designs and its support to development of Pakistan’s strategic capabilities has encouraged India to increase and intensify its defence cooperation with the USA.
Indo-Pacific
The lexicon of geopolitics today is focused on Indo-Pacific, the next power theatre where India, being strategically located in the Indian ocean, is poised to play a great role. Chinese belligerence and aspiration to dominate Asian regional order has further brought US and India closer. The US perceives India as a leader in the region and a reliable partner for ensuring stability, security and inclusivity.
Pertinently, under Quad, the US and India are also cooperating on areas like critical technology, climate change, cyber security, Humanitarian and Disaster Response operations to name a few. The strategic heft of Quad in the region is reflected in its elevation to Heads of State summit in 2021 by the US. This further strengthens the commitment of both the nations in building a ‘balanced security architecture’ in Asia.
I2U2
Further west, geoeconomics and growing Chinese footprint in the region has brought them together with the I2U2 forum , labelled by some as the West Asian Quad. While India already has robust relationships with all three countries i.e USA,Israel and UAE separately, its involvement in this minilateral grouping provides an opportunity to deepen its strategic engagement with West Asia. There are also talks of infrastructure projects between the USA, India, UAE and Saudi Arabia, furthering interconnectivity and economic cooperation.
Issues
India has now been inducted into the US led Mineral Strategic Partnership on rare earth metals. The initial exclusion of India from this grouping was vehemently opposed by New Delhi. However, issues related to trade; visas ; differences on common but differentiated responsibilities concerning climate change; Intellectual Property Rights regime and India opting out of the trade pillar of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework might cast a shadow over this bonhomie.
Way forward
It is crucial that all the proposed deals and agreements fructify into concrete outcomes and results, producing win-win situations for both.
Undoubtedly, joint endeavours and constructive inter-governmental initiatives would inject a vigorous impetus into further strengthening Indo-US relations but for this relationship to work, the USA must create space for India to define its own place and role i.e not an alliance follower but an equal partner.
(The author is Pursuing Masters in Public Administration & Public policy, Miranda House alumni)
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