Biden influenced the India-US relationship

Source: The post Biden influenced the India-US relationship has been created, based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Joe Biden and India-US story” published in “Indian Express” on 18th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-international relation-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s meeting with President Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden’s hometown. It highlights how Biden strengthened the India-US partnership, focusing on technology, defense, and regional security, continuing policies from the Trump administration to address China.

For detailed information on Successes and challenges in the India -U.S. relationship read this article here

How has Biden influenced the India-US relationship?

1. Continued Strategic Policies: Biden maintained key policies from Trump, prioritizing India in the US’s Asia strategy. This included downgrading Pakistan’s role and focusing on China as a challenger.
2. Quad Elevation: Biden elevated the Quad to summit-level meetings, emphasizing cooperation among India, Japan, Australia, and the US on regional security.
3. Technology Cooperation: In January 2023, the iCET initiative was launched to enhance cooperation on emerging technologies, like semiconductors and jet engines.
4. Economic Strategy: Biden upheld Trump-era tariffs on China, aiming to de-risk the US-China relationship and strengthen supply chains involving India.
5. Defense Cooperation: The US emerged as a key destination for India’s defense exports, reflecting deepening military ties.
6. Regional Stability: Biden expanded cooperation with India in areas like cybersecurity, maritime security, disaster relief, and telecommunications through the Quad, aligning with India’s non-military approach to the forum.

What challenges and developments have shaped the partnership?

1. AUKUS Partnership: Biden announced the AUKUS partnership with the UK and Australia, focusing on transferring nuclear propulsion technology to Australia, highlighting deeper cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
2. Afghanistan Withdrawal: Biden’s decision to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan reduced reliance on Pakistan, ending its long primacy in US South Asia policy.
3. China Challenge: Biden continued Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports, reflecting a commitment to de-risking economic relations with China.
4. Russia and Ukraine Conflict: Despite tensions, India and the US maintained strong relations during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
5. Quad Cooperation: The Quad partnership expanded in areas like maritime security and telecommunications.

Way forward

Despite challenges like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and political differences over Bangladesh, India and the US have maintained strong ties. Both countries have worked to ensure stability and growth in their partnership over the last four years.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Biden’s administration has continued and expanded strategic policies to strengthen the India-US partnership.