International Relations (IR)

International Relations (IR)

India-US
Bilateral Relations
INDIA- USA Relations
 A Brief overview
Relationship between India and USA- the
world’s two largest democracies, holds great
Geo-strategic significance
It has overall impact on the Global order-
Economically, Politically and strategically.
India-USA relationship is very crucial in
determining global balance of Power
 A Brief overview
USA is a True Superpower -Strong
economically, technologically as well as
Militarily. A developed country
India is an aspiring Superpower - Fast
growing economically, militarily and
technologically. Currently a developing
Country
 A Brief overview
Both countries attach great Value to
Democracy
Both Countries have many shared, common
interests on the global stage
 A Brief overview
India:

 Remained a part of British empire during 19th and 20th

centuries

 Got independence from British on 15th August 1947.

Became a republic on 26th January 1950

 Secular Democratic Republic with Written Constitution

 A Brief overview
Largest Democracy in the World
Located in South Asia with an area spanning
3.2 million Sq.km
Second largest Population in the world- over
1.3 billion.
Federal state
 A Brief overview
USA
 Remained under British colonial rule
 British America comprised the colonial territories of
the British Empire in America from 1607 to 1783
 American Revolutionary War took place between 1775 to
1783. Resulted in American victory
 Declared independence in July 1776
 A Brief overview
 Located in North America across an area
spanning 9.5 million sq.km. Population- 330
million
 One of the Oldest democracies in the World
 USA is a federal republic with Presidential form
of government
 Federal State. US States have more autonomy
compared to India
 INDIA- USA Relations
Comparison of India and USA across 6
dimensions

1. Geographic 2. Economic
3. Political 4. Social
5. Cultural 6. Security & Defence
INDIA- USA Relations
 INDIA- USA Relations
Geographic perspective:

India: Huge Country. Strategically located in South Asia.

Himalayas as natural barrier in North. Major country
bordering the Indian ocean. Rich in natural resources

USA: Very Huge Country. Located in North America.

Borders Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. Rich in
natural resources.
 INDIA- USA Relations
Economic perspective:

India- Mixed economy. Synthesis of Capitalism

and Socialism. Domestic Oriented

USA- Capitalist economy with features of

Welfare state.
 INDIA- USA Relations
Political Perspective

India- Democracy. Parliamentary system based on

checks and balances. Importance given to individual
rights

USA- Democracy. Presidential system of Government.

Great importance given to individual rights
 INDIA- USA Relations
Social Perspective

India- Traditional Society. Fast modernizing.

Heavy inequalities present

USA- Modern Society. Less Inequalities present

 INDIA- USA Relations
Cultural Perspective

India- Ancient Civilization. Rich cultural heritage.

Vastly diverse, Multi-ethnic country

USA- Emerged as a Nation only some centuries

ago. Multi-ethnic country but less diverse
compared to India
 INDIA- USA Relations
Security/Defence perspective:

India: Nuclear power. Strong in Defence. Borders

hostile Neighbours. Terrorism a major threat

USA: Strongest Military & Nuclear power in the

world. Terrorism a major threat
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 During Freedom struggle, India's leaders had
friendly relations with the United States
 In the 1930s and 1940s, USA voiced support for
Indian independence movement
 During Cold War, India joined the Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) to avoid involvement in
the power game between the US and the Soviet
Union
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 India developed strategic alliance with
the Soviet Union during Cold War.
 However, India maintained good relations with
USA as well
 During Cold war, Pakistan largely allied with
Western bloc, headed by USA
 Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-violence influenced US
Civil rights activist Martin Luther King
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 During 1960s, India faced famines and had to fight
two major wars- With Pakistan and China
 India largely relied on Food aid from USA- through its
PL-480 programme
 USA supported India during 1962 India-China War,
though it did not provide direct military support,
especially advanced Weaponry
 After 1963, India-USA relations slowly deteriorated
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 US President Lyndon Johnson was not happy
with India's neutral stand on many international
issues. USA also suspended the food aid
temporarily
 US President Richard Nixon visited India in 1969
 Relations reached a low under President Nixon.
Nixon developed a very close relationship with
Pakistan and wanted to improve ties with China
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
Nixon’s visit
to India
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
Nixon’s administration and India’s then PM
Indira Gandhi had a frosty relationship
USA supported Pakistan during 1971
Liberation war of Bangladesh
USA did not like India’s testing of Nuclear
weapons in 1974. However, it continued to
engage in co-operation
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
India’s former PM Vajpayee developed good
relations with Washington
1998- USA condemned India’s second nuclear
test and voted in favour of a United Nations
Security Council Resolution condemning the
tests. Sanctions were imposed
2000- US President Bill Clinton visited India
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
Clinton
with PM
Mr Vajpayee
and President
K R Narayanan
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 After 9/11 attacks, President George W.
Bush collaborated closely with India, especially in
Indian Ocean region. Bush lifted sanctions on India
 2005- PM Manmohan Singh visits US. Signs Civil
Nuclear Cooperation Agreement with George W. Bush
 2008- Historic India–United States Civil Nuclear
Agreement- also referred to as the "123 Agreement“
signed
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
George Bush
with PM
Dr Singh in
2005
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 Following the 123 agreement, the 48-nation NSG
granted the waiver to India allowing it to access
civilian nuclear technology and fuel from other
countries.

As a result, India is the only country with nuclear

weapons which is not a party to the Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT ) but still allowed to carry out nuclear
commerce with the rest of the world.
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 2014 to present- Under leadership of PM Narendra
Modi, USA and India have developed strong
relationship, spanning across sectors. From 2014,
India is strategically aligned with USA.
 2016- USA recognises India as major defence partner
 2017- PM Modi and US President Trump meet.
Their joint statement emphasized strengthening
defense partnership, cooperating on counterterrorism
efforts, and boosting economic tie s
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
PM Mr Modi
With Mr
Trump in 2017
 Chronology of India- USA Relations
 2018- The Communications Compatibility and
Security Agreement (COMCASA) agreement
signed
 2020- Basic Exchange and Cooperation
Agreement (BECA) signed
 2020- India-US ties elevated to “Comprehensive
global strategic partnership” during President
Donald Trump’s visit to India
Chronology of India- USA Relations
On the whole, India-U.S. bilateral relations
have developed into a "global strategic
partnership", based on shared democratic
values and increasing convergence of
interests on bilateral, regional and global
issues
 India-USA Relations- Opportunities
Economy: India and USA are one of the largest
Bilateral trade partners. Bilateral trade stood
at $92 billion in 2020. In 2018-19, the US first
surpassed China to become India's top trading
partner. Bilateral trade is expected to reach
$500 billion by 2025
Civil Nuclear Cooperation
 India-USA Relations- Opportunities
 Energy and Climate Change
 Education - Cooperation in education
sector is an integral part of the
strategic partnership between the two
countries
 India-USA Relations- Opportunities
Technology, Space Sector & Health
Counter-terrorism and internal security
Defence Cooperation- Defence relationship
has emerged as a major pillar of India-U.S.
strategic partnership with the signing of ‘New
Framework for India-U.S. Defense Relations’
in 2005
 India-USA Relations- Opportunities
People to people ties & Diaspora
Indo-Pacific strategic co-operation &
containment of Chinese’s hegemony
UN Security Council reforms
 India-USA Relations- Irritants
 Trade talks vis-a-vis WTO (World Trade Organisation)
 Climate change negotiations- US pulled out from Paris
agreement in 2020 earlier under Trump’s presidency;
It has rejoined the agreement now
 Relationship with Russia and Defence purchases-
India’s decision to buy four S-400 Triumf long-range
missiles from Russia, worth $5.4 billion, has emerged
as a major irritant in India-US relations
 India-USA Relations- Irritants
 Iran issue- US sanctions on Iran and subsequent
US pressure on India to move away from Iran
 Economic Protectionism, H1B issue- President
Trump Donald Trump earlier tighten visa access
for high-skilled foreign workers from countries
like India. Now, the restrictions have been
removed
 China Factor
China factor plays a big role under India-USA
relations
 USA and China are presently engaged in a battle
for power on the international stage
 Both countries have taken tough stance against
each other on a range of issues- Trade talks,
Climate Change, Human Rights, Hong Kong
Taiwan, West Asia politics etc
 China Factor
 India needs support of US with respect to Kashmir issue - illegal
occupation by China and Pakistan
 US has endorsed India’s bid for permanent membership at UN
Security council while China opposes it
 India and USA have common interests when it comes to
maintaining an open, free and equitable Indo-Pacific region
 China is seen as a common threat as it seeks to establish its
hegemony throughout the Indo-Pacific region, especially
through projects like Belt and Road initiative (BRI)
 China Factor
 The annual US-India 2+2 Ministerial meeting between US and India aims
to push back China’s efforts to destabilising peace and security, including
aggression against India and other countries.

 The signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)

will enable the sharing of advanced military technologies and satellite
imagery, thus further deepening their strategic partnership.
 China Factor
US-India 2+2 dialogue
 China Factor
QUAD - comprising Japan, India, Australia and the United
States - is not a formal alliance but a grouping of countries
driven by shared interests and values. They aim at
establishing a rules-based order in the strategically-
important Indo-Pacific region.

Checking Chinese hegemony and expansionary plans in the

Indo-Pacific is one of the objectives of the QUAD partnership
 China Factor
Quad countries will continue to deepen cooperation in areas
including maritime security, Freedom of Navigation, cyber
affairs, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief

China is not happy with QUAD partnership and sees it as a

threat to its sovereignty
 China Factor
It should be noted that Japan is already a close
ally of the USA. Relations between China and
Japan have been embroiled in tensions since
World War 2
 Pivot to Asia policy
 ‘Pivot to Asia’- one of former US President Obama’s
central foreign policy initiatives. Launched in 2012
 Pivot is meant to be a strategic "re-balancing" of U.S.
interests from Europe and the Middle East toward
East Asian region
 Strengthening alliances with Japan, South Korea,
Australia and the Philippines- Key US partners in Indo-
Pacific
 Pivot to Asia policy
Core objectives of Pivot to Asia-
 strengthening bilateral security alliances
 deepening relationships with emerging powers, including with
China
 engaging with regional multilateral institutions eg, Asia Pacific
Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership
(TPP)
 expanding trade and investment
 Forging a broad-based military presence
 Advancing democracy and human rights
 Pivot to Asia policy
India’s own pivot to Asia policy:
Over the years, India has signaled a
willingness to play a greater role in the Indo-
Pacific through its Act East Policy as well as
QUAD partnership, of which USA is also a
member
 Pivot to Asia policy
It’s clear that India no longer wants to be
seen as a regional player but as a global
player in the Indo-pacific region.
Both USA and India have to co-operate in
order to achieve common goals and interests
in the Indo-Pacific region
 Russia Factor
 India has always maintained a special
relationship with Russia (earlier Soviet union)
since independence. Both nations maintained
strong economic, strategic and military
relationships
 USA and Russia (earlier Soviet union) have been
bitter rivals since cold war era, starting 1945
 Russia Factor
 After the Narendra Modi government came to
power, there has been a major shift in the
Foreign policy- India has gone closer to the USA
 Russia is not too happy with India’s cosiness
with Washington.
 In the recent past, Moscow has developed
relations with India’s arch nemesis Pakistan
 Russia Factor
 Foreign policy analysts suggest recent formation of a
China-Pakistan-Russia (CPR) axis, which will pit New
Delhi and Washington against CPR
 At the same time, Washington is not too happy with
India’s plan of buying S-400 missiles from Russia and
has warned of implications on defence ties
 How India is going to delicately balance ties with both
US and Russia remains to be seen..
 Iran Factor
 We have already learned that USA is an archrival of
Iran. The United States since 1979 has applied various
economic, trade, scientific and military sanctions
against Iran

 It should be noted that India has good relations with

Iran. However India has been caught in a quagmire as
USA has been pressurising India to distance itself
from Iran
 Iran Factor
Iran is crucial to India as it offers passage for
India to Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond
India has also developed Chabahar port in
Iran. Both India and Iran are members of
INSTC. Friendship with Iran is critical for India
to neutralise both Pakistan and China in the
neighbourhood
 Iran Factor
How India is going to balance the relations
between USA and Iran deftly remains to be
seen in the coming years…
 Pakistan Factor
It should be noted that Pakistan was an ally
of USA during Cold War era
Relationship between Washington and
Islamabad has been marked by highs and
lows.
Between 1948–2016, the US has provided
nearly US$78.3 billion to Pakistan in aid
 Pakistan Factor
 Pakistan is a crucial partner of USA when it
comes to combating terrorism
 On the other hand, India seeks support of USA
with regard to Pakistan’s support for terrorism,
as well as Kashmir issue
 With impending exit of US from Afghanistan,
USA has asked India to play a larger role in the
South Asian region for ensuring security
Important Cooperation platforms
Let’s now take a look at the important
Cooperation platforms between India and
the USA
 Economic Cooperation
 India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue: The India-US
Commercial Dialogue is led by the Minister of
Commerce and Industry (CIM) and the US
Secretary of Commerce.
 India – US Economic and Financial Partnership:
The India – U.S. Economic and Financial
Partnership is led by the Finance Minister (FM)
and the US Secretary of the Treasury
 Economic Cooperation
India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum: The India-U.S.
Trade Policy Forum is led by CIM and the U.S.
Trade Representative (USTR)
India-U.S. Strategic Energy Partnership: The
India-U.S. Strategic Energy Partnership is led
by the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas
2 and the U.S. Secretary of Energy.
 Economic Cooperation
The India-U.S. Energy Dialogue- launched on
May 31, 2005. Aimed at increasing India-
U.S. trade and investment in the Indian
energy sector
Aims to engage both the public and private
sectors
 Economic Cooperation
Education co-operation: India and the U.S.
have very strong linkages and collaboration
in the field of higher education.
U.S. is one of the most favoured destinations
by Indian students for higher education. More
than 200,000 Indian students are currently
pursuing various courses in the U.S
 Economic Cooperation
Science & Technology Cooperation: The Indo-U.S.
Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF) was
established by India and the U.S. as an
autonomous, bi-national organization in the
year 2000

It promotes cooperation in Science, Technology

and Innovation
 Diaspora
 The number of Indians and Indian Americans in the U.S. is
estimated at around 4 million, which accounts for almost
1% of the total U.S. population.
 It includes a large number of professionals, entrepreneurs
and educationists with considerable and increasing
influence in U.S. polity, economy and the society.
 They are a big stakeholder in India-U.S. relations having
significantly contributed to the growth and development
of the U.S. economy
 Diaspora
US Vice President Kamala Harris
 Diaspora
Google CEO
Sundar Pichai
 Diaspora
Members of Indian Diaspora have held
important posts in the US administration
Indian-origin Kamala Harris is the Vice-
President of the USA
Counter Terrorism & Internal Security
 Cooperation in counter-terrorism has seen considerable
progress with enhanced intelligence sharing, information
exchange and operational cooperation.
 The Indo-US homeland security dialogue was launched in
2010 as the mechanism to a sequel to the signing of the
India-US counter-terrorism initiative
 Apart from the above, both sides also cooperate with
each other on counter-terrorism and security issues under
various multilateral bodies.
Counter Terrorism & Internal Security
 Cyber security cooperation between India and
the U.S. is carried out under the India-U.S. Cyber
Framework
 India and US have reaffirmed their support for
the early adoption of a UN Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)
that will advance and strengthen the framework
for global cooperation against terrorism
 2+2 Ministerial dialogue
India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue - Highest
institutional mechanism between the two
countries. 1st meet held in 2018
Meeting of the Defence and Foreign ministers
of both states to discuss important issues.
 2+2 Ministerial dialogue
 During the third edition of the Indo-US 2+2 dialogue
in 2020, the two countries vowed to ramp up their
overall security ties, and inked a total of five pacts,
including the strategic Basic Exchange and
Cooperation Agreement (BECA) that will allow sharing
of high-end military technology, classified satellite
data and critical information.
 The other pacts will facilitate cooperation in areas of
nuclear energy, earth sciences and Ayurveda.
 2+2 Ministerial dialogue
2+2 ministerial
Dialogue
2020
 Security/Defence cooperation
 BECA - Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial
Cooperation
 BECA will allow for expanded geospatial information sharing between
the armed forces. BECA will allow India to access the US’s advanced
geospatial intelligence and both countries can exchange topographic
data including maps, nautical, aeronautical charts etc
 The geospatial information will significantly improve the accuracy of
India’s missiles and Drones for targeted precision strikes.
 Security/Defence cooperation
Drone/
UAV
 Security/Defence cooperation
The previous three important agreements are :
 The General Security of Military Information Agreement
(GSOMIA) signed in 2002- allows both countries to create
a framework to official share military intelligence.
 The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement
(LEMOA) signed in 2016- allow the military of each
country to make use of other’s bases: refuel, access
supplies, spare parts, air bases, and ports, which can later
be reimbursed.
 Security/Defence cooperation
 The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement
(COMCASA) in 2018- This will enable greater
communications interoperability between the militaries of
India and the U.S.
COMCASA is meant to provide a legal framework for the
transfer of communication security equipment from the US to
India that would facilitate “interoperability” between their
forces - and potentially with other militaries that use US-origin
systems for secured data links.
 Security/Defence cooperation
C 17 &
C 130
Aircraft
 Civil Nuclear Cooperation
As already seen, the bilateral civil nuclear cooperation
agreement was signed in October 2008.
A U.S. company - Westinghouse is in discussions with
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)
for implementation of a project that envisages six AP
1000 reactors at Kovvada (A.P.). Once implemented,
the project would be among the largest of its kind.
 Civil Nuclear Cooperation
Kovvada
Nuclear plant,
AP
 International Co-operation
 Both countries are collaborating and coordinating on a
number of regional and global issues- security, economic
development , Democracy and Human Rights

 US and India are engaged in areas such as maritime and

cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
In May 2021, the U.S. government sent six planeloads of
life-saving supplies to India for fighting Covid- 19
pandemic
International Co-operation
 International Co-operation
 The U.S. has expressed support for India’s
permanent membership on a reformed U.N.
Security Council and for India’s early
membership in the Nuclear Suppliers
Group(NSG).
 India and the U.S. remain engaged to promote
peace; prosperity; and security, in the Indo-
Pacific as well as globally.
 AUKUS
Trilateral security pact between US , UK and
Australia. Signed in September 2021
Aims to ensure freedom and security in the
Indo-Pacific region
Proposes to transfer technology for building
nuclear-powered submarines to Australia
 AUKUS
One of the aims of AUKUS is to contain
China’s aggressive territorial ambitions
AUKUS complements QUAD partnership
India has an opportunity to work alongside
AUKUS for the larger interest of Indo-Pacific
 Practice Questions
1. Discuss the significance of Indo-US relations in brief.
List the opportunities and irritants in the
relationship (150 words)
2. In the recent past, India has moved closer towards
the USA and both nations are currently involved in a
strategic partnership. Do you think India has lost the
long-cultivated friendship with Russia by moving
closer to USA? Discuss the implications in this regard
(250 words)
 Practice Questions
3. What is AUKUS alliance? Discuss the
implications of AUKUS alliance with respect
to India’s role in Indo-pacific region (150
words)
 Mains-Previous year questions
1. “Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics
and economy of America and European Countries”.
Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 2020

2. Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) is transforming

itself into a trade block from the military alliance, in present
times. Discuss (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks) 2020
 Mains-Previous year questions
3. What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-
Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in
the Indo-Pacific region (Answer in 250 words) 2020

4. What introduces friction into the ties between India and

United States is that Washington is still unable to find for
India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy
India’s national self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with
suitable examples. (15 Marks) 2019
 Mains-Previous year questions
5. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran
Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national
interest of India? How should India respond to
its situation? 2018