Related Articles:
Abstract
This article analyzes the historic transformation of the relationship between India and the United States, from "estranged democracies" during the Cold War to emerging strategic partners. It examines the process of "spinning a strategic engagement," focusing on the key areas of convergence and the persistent areas of divergence. The study highlights the major drivers of the rapprochement, including shared democratic values, a common concern about the rise of China, and growing economic and technological ties. The research provides a detailed analysis of the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement as the centerpiece of this new strategic partnership. However, the paper also provides a balanced assessment by exploring the areas of divergence, such as differences on trade policy, relations with Iran, and the pace of economic reforms in India. The analysis concludes that while the path to a full-fledged alliance is not without obstacles, the underlying convergence of strategic interests has set the relationship on an irreversible positive trajectory.
Full Text
The first decade of the 21st century witnessed a fundamental and historic transformation in the relationship between India and the United States. This paper provides a detailed analysis of this evolving strategic engagement. The first part of the study is an examination of the powerful forces of convergence that were bringing the two countries closer together. A primary driver identified is geopolitical: the shared, though often unstated, strategic objective of balancing a rising China in Asia. The paper also explores the growing economic convergence, driven by expanding trade and investment, and the powerful role of the successful and influential Indian-American diaspora in bridging the two societies. The core of the article is an in-depth analysis of the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, which is presented as the signature achievement of the new partnership. The paper details how this agreement effectively ended India's nuclear isolation and symbolized its acceptance as a major global power. The second part of the paper offers a more sober analysis of the persistent areas of divergence. It discusses the differences in their approaches to global trade negotiations, their conflicting policies towards countries like Iran, and the lingering mistrust within some sections of the Indian strategic establishment about US intentions. The findings reveal a relationship that is complex and multi-layered, not a simple alliance. The paper concludes that despite these differences, the common democratic values and converging long-term strategic interests had created a strong and enduring foundation for a partnership that would be a defining feature of the 21st-century international landscape.