26-December-2023-Editorial

YEAR ENDER: PM MODI’S CAMARADERIE WITH PRESIDENT BIDEN BOLSTER INDIA – US RELATIONS

India and the United States share a strategic partnership based on shared values and mutual interests. The Prime Minister of India recently highlighted the positive trajectory in bilateral relations, emphasizing deepening engagement and understanding driven by national interest.

India’s Relations with the US:

Shared Values and Interests:

• The strategic partnership is founded on shared values such as democracy and commitment to the rules-based international system.
• Both nations aim to promote global security, stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connectivity.

Economic Relations:

• In 2022-23, the U.S. emerged as India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 128.55 billion, a 7.65% increase from the previous year.
• India’s exports to the U.S. rose by 2.81%, reaching USD 78.31 billion, while imports grew by approximately 16% to USD 50.24 billion.

International Cooperation:

• India and the U.S. collaborate at various multilateral organizations, including the UN, G-20, ASEAN, IMF, World Bank, and WTO.
• The U.S. supports India’s inclusion as a permanent member in a reformed UN Security Council and is a partner in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

Defence Cooperation:

• India has signed foundational agreements with the U.S., including LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA, GSOMIA, and ISA.
• Bilateral military exercises, such as Yuddha Abyas and Vajra Prahar, along with participation in the Quad Forum and I2U2 grouping, showcase robust defense collaboration.

Space and Science Initiatives:

• Collaboration between ISRO and NASA, exemplified by the NISAR satellite, demonstrates joint efforts in space exploration.
• Initiatives like the Artemis Accords and the iCET joint initiative highlight cooperation in key technology domains.

Major Challenges:

US Criticism of India’s Foreign Policy:

• Historical non-alignment and reluctance to align with the U.S. on certain geopolitical issues remain points of contention.
• Divergent stances on conflicts, such as the Russian-Ukraine war, create challenges in aligning foreign policies.

India’s Engagement with US Adversaries:

• India’s engagement with countries like Iran and its efforts to bring them into multilateral forums may pose challenges in the context of U.S. interests.

US’ Criticism of India’s Democracy:

• Reports on the state of democratic discourse, press freedom, and minority conditions in India have strained diplomatic ties.

Economic Tensions:

• The Atmanirbhar Bharat Campaign and perceived protectionist policies have led to economic tensions, with the U.S. withdrawing duty-free benefits under the GSP program.

Way Forward:

The future of the U.S.-India partnership is crucial for a free, open, and rules-bound Indo-Pacific region. Leveraging India’s demographic dividend, both countries can explore opportunities for technology transfer, manufacturing, trade, and investment.

As India emerges as a leading player in the evolving international system, strategic collaboration will be essential for mutual benefit and addressing global challenges.

The need for continued dialogue and understanding between the two nations remains paramount to navigate existing challenges and build a resilient and forward-looking partnership.