The U.S. has signaled a steadfast commitment to its partnership with India, underscoring its strategic importance over and over.
Political propaganda and other sly tricks have not been able to deter the collaborative spirit between the U.S. and India, with officials emphasizing the pivotal role each country plays in the other’s geopolitical calculations. This sentiment was echoed during a state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June, where President Biden remarked that the two nations are “two great powers that can define the course of the 21st century.”
Amitabh Mattoo, Chair of the Centre for International Politics, Organization, and Disarmament at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, highlighted the unique and essential nature of the relationship, stating, “There is only one U.S., and India recognizes that this relationship is critical to its overall growth as a rising power. It is a special relationship.”
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar also expressed confidence in the resilience of the alliance, describing it as “proofed” against political developments. According to Jaishankar, the relationship between the two nations possesses a “certain structural soundness.”
The robustness of the U.S.-India relationship is evident in the various avenues through which the countries have expanded their ties. Former Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Harsh Vardhan Shringla, highlighted the significance of the understanding and mechanisms developed by the nations to handle complex issues that may arise, even in a friendly relationship.
One notable aspect of this burgeoning partnership is the defense deals announced earlier this year, involving the purchase of billions of dollars worth of Predator drones. This move is aimed at reducing India’s dependency on arms purchases from Russia, historically its largest supplier of military equipment. The longstanding ties with Moscow have influenced India’s stance on global matters, as seen in its reluctance to fully distance itself from Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the collaboration extends into the technological realm, with U.S. companies such as Apple and Micron Technology playing a pivotal role in India’s aspirations to become a technology manufacturing hub. This underscores the multifaceted nature of the U.S.-India relationship, extending beyond geopolitical considerations into the realms of defense and technology.
As the world watches the evolving dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. and India remain steadfast in their commitment to a partnership that holds the potential to shape the course of the 21st century. Despite challenges, the resilience and depth of this alliance signal a shared vision for a future where both nations play key roles in maintaining stability and balance on the global stage.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Khalsa Vox or its members.
