Six steps to strengthen the India-US relationship

Source: The post “Six steps to strengthen the India-US relationship” has been created based on “Six steps to strengthen the India-US relationship” published in “Indian Express” on 22nd October 2026.

UPSC Syllabus: GS 2: International Relations

Context: India and United States share common interests in defence, emerging technologies, trade, and maintaining a stable Indo-Pacific. However, differences over trade, Russia, and regional security continue to create friction. A pragmatic, interest-based approach can strengthen the partnership while respecting India’s strategic autonomy.

Major challenges in India–US relations

1. Strategic differences: India maintains close defence and energy ties with Russia, while US has its own strategic partnerships, including with Pakistan.
2. China-related expectations: US expects India to play a greater role in countering China across the Indo-Pacific, whereas India seeks to preserve its strategic autonomy and avoid rigid military commitments.
3. Trade tensions: Tariff disputes and barriers to market access have created uncertainty and hindered the expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
4. Defence cooperation gaps: Delays in implementing agreements related to jet-engine co-production and armed drones have slowed progress in defence cooperation and technology transfer.
5. Mutual trust deficit: Concerns in India over a possible US–China strategic understanding and shifting American priorities in the Indo-Pacific have created uncertainty about the long-term reliability of US support.

Six steps to strengthen the partnership

1. Strengthen maritime deterrence: India should increase its presence in the Pacific, while US should enhance its naval engagement in the Indian Ocean. Joint patrols, logistics arrangements, and maritime surveillance can improve regional security.
2. Institutionalise military coordination: Both countries should implement secure communication and geospatial intelligence agreements, strengthen cyber protection of critical infrastructure, and explore cooperation in military satellites and space defence.
3. Expand defence co-production: Joint ventures in jet engines, long-range drones, precision munitions, and autonomous systems should be expanded under the Make in India initiative, strengthening domestic manufacturing and technology transfer.
4. Secure technology and critical-mineral supply chains: Cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, rare earths, and lithium can reduce strategic dependencies. Predictable export controls and improved market access would encourage investment.
5. Strengthen minilateral cooperation: The two countries should revitalise the Quad with Japan and Australia and expand operational cooperation with partners such as the Philippines to improve Indo-Pacific security.
6. Leverage diaspora and economic ties: Bilateral fellowships, educational exchanges, professional mobility, and stronger commercial partnerships can build public trust and sustain long-term cooperation.

Conclusion: India and US need not eliminate all disagreements to build a strong partnership. A pragmatic approach based on mutual interests, strategic autonomy, defence integration, and economic cooperation can strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to a stable Indo-Pacific.

Question: Discuss the major challenges in India–US relations and explain the measures needed to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Source: Indian express