Dynamics of the India–US Strategic Partnership
02.12.2025
Dynamics of the India–US Strategic Partnership
Context
From August 27, 2025, the US imposed a 50% tariff on several imports, affecting key Indian exports like auto parts, electrical machinery, gems, jewellery, and shrimps. India is diversifying toward European and Asian markets.
Overview of the Relationship
A broad strategic partnership shaped by democratic values, rule-based order, defence cooperation, technological collaboration, and expanding economic engagement.
Strategic Pillars:
• Coordination in strategic, economic, defence, tech, and cultural spheres
• Regular high-level diplomacy
• Defence strengthening via LEMOA, COMCASA, joint exercises
• Trade, FDI, and innovation-driven economic ties
Key Elements of the Partnership
Semiconductors/Critical Supply Chains:
• Micron establishing a major semiconductor packaging facility in India.
• Lam Research training 60,000 Indian engineers.
• India joins Minerals Security Partnership.
• Epsilon Carbon expands EV-related investments in the US.
Space Cooperation:
• India signs Artemis Accords.
• NASA–ISRO developing human spaceflight cooperation and astronaut training for ISS.
Telecom/Emerging Tech:
• Joint work on Open RAN and 6G.
• Indo-US Quantum Coordination Mechanism for AI and quantum research.
• NSF partnerships with Indian institutions.
Defence Partnership
Jet Engines:
• GE–HAL co-producing F414 engines with significant tech transfer.
Maritime Cooperation:
• US Navy signs repair agreements with L&T (Chennai) and Mazagon Dock (Mumbai).
• India to acquire MQ-9B UAVs.
Innovation Ecosystem:
• INDUS-X boosts defence innovation through startups and academia.
Indo-Pacific Strategic Alignment
• US participation in India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
• Cooperation through Indian Ocean Dialogue and regional forums.
• India remains observer in Partners in the Blue Pacific.
Sustainable Development and Health
Climate/Energy:
• Collaboration under Hydrogen Breakthrough Agenda, Global Biofuels Alliance.
• Focus on boosting renewable energy investment and battery storage.
Health:
• AI-driven cancer research with US National Cancer Institute.
• US–India Cancer Dialogue under Cancer Moonshot.
• Joint work on diabetes research.
Counterterrorism Efforts
• Joint commitment against extremism and UN-listed terrorist groups.
• Condemnation of cross-border terrorism.
• Pakistan urged to prevent its territory from being used for attacks and ensure accountability for 26/11.
Way Forward
Strengthen multilateral cooperation, deepen counterterrorism coordination, secure resilient supply chains, and advance Indo-Pacific stability through long-term defence, technology, climate, and health collaboration.
Conclusion
The India–US partnership is expanding across defence, technology, energy, and regional security. Sustained cooperation, resilient supply chains, and Indo-Pacific stability remain central to shaping the next phase of this strategic relationship.