On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, United States President Joe Biden extended his wishes to India and referred to the relations between the two countries: India and America are “indispensable partners”. He stated that “I am confident in the years ahead our two democracies will continue to stand together to defend rules-based orders and a free inclusive and open Indo Pacific Region”. He further added that “As people around the world, including four million proud Indian Americans celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s independence on the 15th of August 2022, US joins the people of India to honour its democratic journey guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring message of truth and nonviolence”
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken called India and USA relations as “meaningful”. Joe Biden has added that as two great democracies, our partnership will continue to contribute to the security and the prosperity of our peoples and the global good.
India and USA are the two largest democracies in the world. Together, they share and promote liberal values in every sphere of their relations. The Democratic Peace theory by John F Kennedy clearly stated that two democracies will never go to war with each other.” India and USA cooperate closely on international forums such as the WTO (World Trade Organisation), ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
USA recognises and supports India as one of the leading global powers and its largest trading partner. Many American companies view India as a critical market and have expanded their operations there.
India and the United States have been significantly expanded after the Cold War ended. In the defence sector, several agreements have been signed which are BECA (Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement) LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum Agreement) and the COMCASA are classic examples. All these agreements provide world leading and high technological military assets to India which can be used against countering China in the Indo Pacific. Counter terror operations against terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and LeT are an area of cooperation.
India and USA are also members of QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) along with Australia and Japan conduct regular naval exercises in the Indo Pacific. This exercise is called “Malabar Exercise”. “Vajra Prahar” and Yudh Abhyas are two military exercises. In addition, several 2+2 Dialogues have been conducted between America and India.
However, there are a few obstacles in the relations- The time tested and strong relations with the Russian Federation has been a cause of worry for Indian analysts. The CAATSAA (Countering American Adversaries through Sanctions Act) has not yet been put on India in the event of recent purchase of S-400 Triumf from Russia. The sanctions have not been placed yet.
China is the primary threat in India’s as well as American National Security Strategy Document/Doctrine. Containment of China is the main focus of both countries The United States also needs India to tackle the threats emerging from China especially in the “Indo Pacific Region”.
Lastly, Joe Biden has also declared India to be its natural partner and has described its ties with India as the “defining relationship” of the 21st Century.
