Answer:

The India-US strategic relationship has evolved significantly over the past decade, marked by deepening economic and defence cooperation. Both countries have emerged as key partners in addressing global challenges, with shared interests in maintaining regional stability, enhancing trade relations, and countering China’s growing influence. The partnership is underpinned by mutual interests in economic growth, technology, and security, further strengthening ties through initiatives such as the Quad and bilateral trade agreements.

Evolution of India-US Strategic Relations with reference to Economic Cooperation:

• Growing Bilateral Trade: Bilateral trade between India and the US has witnessed steady growth, making the US, India’s largest trading partner.
  For example: In 2023, India-US bilateral trade reached $118 billion, with both countries benefiting from increased trade in sectors like technology, energy, and services.
• Technology Collaboration: India and the US have deepened their cooperation in emerging technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and renewable energy.
  For example: The US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET), launched in 2023, focuses on semiconductors, quantum computing, and AI to bolster both economies.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Both nations have collaborated to create resilient global supply chains, reducing dependence on China.
  For example: The Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), with India as a central player, seeks to diversify supply chains and strengthen India’s role in the global manufacturing ecosystem.
• Investment in Startups: The US has been a major investor in India’s startup ecosystem, fueling growth in technology-driven sectors.
  For example: US-based venture capital firms have significantly invested in Indian startups, contributing to India’s emergence as a global innovation hub.
• Energy Cooperation: India and the US have strengthened energy cooperation, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and clean energy technologies.
  For example: The US-India Strategic Energy Partnership has advanced solar power projects in India, supporting the country’s efforts to meet its renewable energy targets.
• Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Ties: The partnership in healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted mutual dependency.
  For example: India’s pharmaceutical exports to the US grew significantly during the pandemic, with Indian vaccines and generic medicines contributing to global health efforts.
• Digital and Services Economy: The IT services sector has been a cornerstone of India-US economic relations, with Indian IT companies contributing to the US economy.
  For example: Indian companies like TCS and Infosys employ thousands in the US, driving technological innovation and contributing to the US digital economy.
• Quad Economic Cooperation: The Quad, involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, has expanded its role in ensuring economic stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Evolution of India-US Strategic Relations in the Last Decade with Special Reference to Defence Cooperation:

• Defence Trade: The US has emerged as a key defence supplier for India, with increasing purchases of high-end military equipment.
  For example: India’s purchase of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and Apache attack helicopters has strengthened its defence capabilities, underscoring deeper military ties with the US.
• Signing of Foundational Defence Agreements: Several foundational agreements have enhanced military interoperability between India and the US.
  For example: The signing of COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 and BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) in 2020 facilitated intelligence sharing and closer defence cooperation.
• Joint Military Exercises: India and the US have ramped up joint military exercises, enhancing operational coordination in land, air, and maritime domains.
  For example: The annual Malabar Naval Exercise, involving the US, India, Japan, and Australia, showcases maritime cooperation and strengthens regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
• Indo-Pacific Security: Both countries have a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, countering China’s assertive policies in the region.
  For example: The Indo-Pacific Strategy focuses on freedom of navigation and regional stability, with India playing a crucial role in maritime security.
• Defence Technology Collaboration: India and the US have engaged in collaborative projects to develop advanced military technologies.
  For example: Under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), both countries are exploring joint development of unmanned systems and jet engines for future defence needs.
• Military Logistics Sharing: The signing of LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement) enables the two militaries to access each other’s bases for supplies and repairs, enhancing operational efficiency.
  For example: LEMOA allows Indian and US forces to use each other’s military bases for logistical purposes, facilitating joint operations and humanitarian missions.
• Strategic Defence Dialogue: Regular dialogues between India and the US in the defence sphere have strengthened their strategic alignment.
  For example: The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue allows the defence and foreign ministers of both nations to engage on security and strategic issues, fostering a closer defence partnership.
• Arms Procurement and Modernisation: The US has played a key role in helping India modernise its military with state-of-the-art weapons and defence systems.
  For example: India’s acquisition of P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft has enhanced its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, reflecting the growing defence partnership.

India-US strategic relations have seen tremendous growth over the past decade, particularly in the realms of economic and defence cooperation. As both nations continue to build on shared interests, from technology and trade to regional security, the future of this partnership looks promising. Enhanced collaboration in critical technologies, defence modernisation, and regional stability will shape the trajectory of Indo-US relations, further strengthening their global strategic influence.

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