US–India Relations: The Defining Partnership of the 21st Century

Manoj Ambat, Editor in Chief, Strategic Vanguard
Sep 6
5 min read

The 21st century will be defined by a handful of critical relationships that shape global politics, economics, and security. Among them, none is as consequential as the partnership between the United States and India. Unlike many other alignments, this relationship is not merely transactional—it is transformational.

While leaders like Donald Trump and Joe Biden have influenced its pace and tone, the US–India partnership is far deeper than individual presidencies. It is hardwired into the strategic, defense, and institutional frameworks of both nations. The question is no longer whether India and the United States will cooperate, but how far this cooperation can go in shaping the global order of the 21st century.

A Historical Journey: From Estrangement to Engagement

Cold War Rivalries

During the Cold War, India and the United States found themselves on opposite sides of the geopolitical divide. India, though officially non-aligned, leaned toward the Soviet Union for defense support. The United States, meanwhile, backed Pakistan as part of its global containment strategy against communism.

This led to decades of mistrust, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities.

The Post–Cold War Shift

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, India embarked on economic liberalization, opening its markets to the world. Washington began to recognize India’s rising importance—not just as a market but as a potential strategic partner in Asia.

The Nuclear Milestone

India’s 1998 nuclear tests initially triggered US sanctions. Yet, instead of deepening the rift, they opened channels for dialogue. By the early 2000s, the landmark US–India Civil Nuclear Agreement under President George W. Bush marked a turning point. This deal recognized India as a responsible nuclear power and brought it into the global non-proliferation framework without forcing it to give up its nuclear arsenal.

Obama and the Pivot to Asia

President Barack Obama’s administration placed India at the center of its “Pivot to Asia” strategy. His visits to India and repeated affirmations of support elevated New Delhi’s role as a counterbalance to China’s rise.

By the time Trump entered the White House, the groundwork for a deeper partnership was already laid.

The Trump Era: Rhetoric vs. Strategic Reality

Donald Trump’s presidency was marked by protectionist policies and an “America First” agenda. At first glance, this created friction with India.

Trade Disputes: Trump criticized India’s tariffs, removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and demanded greater market access for US companies.
Immigration Concerns: H-1B visa restrictions affected Indian professionals.

Yet, beyond the rhetoric, Trump oversaw important strategic advances:

Indo-Pacific Strategy: Trump explicitly framed India as a central partner in balancing China’s rise.
Revival of QUAD: The quadrilateral partnership between the US, India, Japan, and Australia gained new momentum.
Defense Sales: India purchased advanced defense systems, including surveillance drones and artillery.
Military Exercises: Joint exercises such as Malabar were strengthened.

Trump may have been a transitional figure, but he confirmed that India was indispensable to Washington’s long-term strategy in Asia.

Biden and the Institutionalization of the Partnership

Where Trump emphasized strategic convergence, Biden has institutionalized it. Under Biden, US–India ties have expanded into technology, defense co-development, and global governance.

Defense Cooperation

Key agreements such as COMCASA, BECA, and LEMOA have deepened interoperability.
India now participates in advanced intelligence-sharing, maritime surveillance, and logistical cooperation with US forces.

Technology and Innovation

Collaboration on semiconductors, AI, cyber defense, and space exploration is growing.
Joint projects include advanced jet engines and drone technology.

Climate and Energy

Both nations are working on renewable energy transitions and green technology.

Shared Democratic Values

Biden highlights the partnership as one between the world’s two largest democracies, bound by common values despite differences.

Why the Relationship Is Hardwired

US–India ties are not just built on leader-to-leader diplomacy. They are anchored in institutions that ensure continuity.

Military Integration
- Exercises like Malabar (naval), Yudh Abhyas (army), and Cope India (air force) enhance interoperability.
- Logistics agreements allow both sides to access each other’s bases.
Intelligence Sharing
- Real-time information exchange strengthens counterterrorism and Indo-Pacific security.
People-to-People Connections
- A vibrant Indian diaspora in the US (over 4 million strong) bridges cultures, businesses, and politics.
- Indian-origin professionals dominate sectors like IT, medicine, and academia.
Economic Interdependence
- The US is one of India’s largest trading partners.
- Global supply chains increasingly depend on India as an alternative to China.

These factors make the relationship resilient to political transitions.

Strategic Imperatives of the 21st Century

The China Challenge

Both nations share a strategic imperative to counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness. India faces direct border tensions with Beijing, while the US seeks to preserve its dominance in Asia.

The Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific region, stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, is the new epicenter of global trade and security. India’s geostrategic location makes it indispensable for US strategy.

Technology and Defense Industrial Cooperation

Joint defense production, research in artificial intelligence, and cyber defense are becoming cornerstones of the partnership.

Alliances and Groupings

QUAD (US, India, Japan, Australia) is central to balancing China.
I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, US) focuses on tech and trade.
Potential collaboration with AUKUS could enhance maritime dominance.

Challenges That Remain

No partnership is without hurdles.

Trade Disagreements
- Market access, tariffs, and subsidies remain sticking points.
Russia Factor
- India’s reliance on Russian arms complicates US expectations of sanctions alignment.
Domestic Politics
- Leadership transitions in both countries may temporarily strain ties.
Human Rights Concerns
- Washington occasionally raises concerns about India’s domestic politics, though these rarely derail the strategic agenda.

Conclusion: Beyond Trump and Biden

The United States and India are entering an era where their relationship is too deep, too strategic, and too institutional to be reversed.

For India, the US is critical in modernizing its defense, diversifying its economy, and securing its neighborhood.
For the US, India is indispensable in preventing a China-dominated Asia and ensuring a multipolar balance of power.

Trump’s presidency may have emphasized the transactional. Biden’s administration emphasizes institutionalization. But both point to the same reality: US–India relations are hardwired into the global order of the 21st century.

This is not just a partnership of convenience. It is a transformational relationship that will define the geopolitics of our century.

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