India–USA Strategic Relations: Expanding Horizons of a Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership

Abstract

India–USA strategic relations have evolved into a comprehensive global strategic partnership marked by expanding cooperation across political, security, economic, technological, and multilateral domains. This partnership reflects the growing convergence of interests between India and the United States in an increasingly complex and multipolar international system. Anchored in shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to a rules-based international order, bilateral ties have deepened significantly since the early twenty-first century. Defense and security cooperation constitute a central pillar of the relationship, reinforced through strategic dialogues, joint military exercises, and enhanced interoperability. Simultaneously, economic engagement has broadened to include critical and emerging technologies, digital governance, supply chain resilience, clean energy, and innovation-driven growth. Despite persistent differences on trade policies, climate responsibilities, and strategic autonomy, both countries have demonstrated an ability to manage disagreements through institutionalized mechanisms and sustained diplomatic engagement. At the regional and global levels, collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and multilateral forums underscores the partnership’s wider strategic significance.  India–USA strategic relations represent a pragmatic and forward-looking partnership with the potential to shape global governance, promote stability, and address transnational challenges, making it a defining relationship of contemporary international politics.