Today, I’m going to speak on the evolving and dynamic relationship between India and the United States—two of the world’s largest democracies and strategic partners.
The United States is the world’s fourth-largest country by area and the third most populous. It is one of the most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations globally. With an abundance of natural resources and a highly productive workforce, the U.S. accounts for 37% of global military spending, approximately $997 billion. It is a dominant force in global politics, economics, culture, and science.
Socially, the bond between our nations is strengthened by the vibrant Indian-American community, now over 5 million strong. They are doctors, engineers, business leaders, educators, and public officials who influence American society in many ways. Moreover, over 2.5 lakh Indian students are currently studying in the U.S., contributing to educational and technological advancement.
Historically, relations between India and the U.S. were not always warm. During the Cold War, the U.S. closeness to Pakistan and India's alignment with the Soviet Union created tension. However, since 2004, ties have improved significantly, developing into a “global strategic partnership” based on shared democratic values, the rule of law, human rights, and pluralism.
A major turning point has been the rise of strategic cooperation. India is now part of the Quad—alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia—working to ensure a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Amidst growing competition with China, the U.S. views India as a key partner in regional stability.
Several factors have contributed to the growing convergence: India’s economic rise, increasing trade, strong IT sector linkages, and weakening U.S.-Pakistan ties. In 2008, the U.S. reversed its long-standing opposition to India's nuclear program, which became a major milestone.
The five key pillars of India-U.S. ties are:
- Strategic Cooperation
- Education and Development
- Science, Technology, Health and Innovation
- Energy and Climate Change
- Trade and Economic Cooperation
On technology, the 2023 launch of the India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) is a landmark. It promotes collaboration in AI, quantum computing, space, biotechnology, and semiconductors, aiming to make India technologically self-reliant or Atmanirbhar.
Defence relations have deepened with India's designation as a “Major Defence Partner” in 2016, allowing access to advanced U.S. military technologies. The INDUS-X initiative further enhances the co-development of defence technology, including the co-manufacturing of GE F-414 jet engines with HAL.
India has acquired high-tech defence systems from the U.S., including P-8I aircraft, C-17 Globemasters, Apache helicopters, and MQ-9 drones. Despite continued defence ties with Russia, Indo-U.S. defence industrial cooperation is rising steadily.
Military exercises like Malabar, Yudh Abhyas, Vajra Prahar, and Tiger Triumph have made India and the U.S. among the closest defence partners.
In civil nuclear energy, cooperation has progressed with projects like the six AP-1000 reactors by Westinghouse in India.
Economically, the U.S. is India’s second-largest trading partner and largest export destination. In 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $129 billion, with India enjoying a $45 billion surplus. However, issues over tariffs and market access remain a challenge for a future Free Trade Agreement.
In conclusion, India and the United States are united by common interests and shared values. Together, we must continue to strengthen this strategic partnership to ensure global peace, regional stability, and technological progress.