India and the United States have recently elevated their partnership to a “Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership,” marking a significant milestone in their two-decade-long relationship. This modernization effort focuses on building partnerships and strengthening supply chains in defense, emerging technology and clean energy, among other key sectors. In 2016, the U.S. formally designated India a “major defense partner.” This decision set the stage for the friendship that would blossom between the two countries.
Since then, the partnership has celebrated times of collaboration and shared purpose. One such high point was the visit in mid-February of then-U.S. The action The two leaders, in fact, greeted one another with bear hugs. They reaffirmed their pledge to move rapidly towards a mutually advantageous trade agreement. Lurking behind this evident camaraderie is an intricate substructure of economic animosity.
A world where India’s independent (read: non-aligned) approach remains the overriding imperative of its foreign policy. Bilahari Kausikan, a prominent figure in Singapore’s foreign affairs, articulated this sentiment, stating, “India is a country with a deep sense of self as an independent actor.” He reiterated that India will “never be deputy to any sheriff,” making clear that India was focused on looking out for its own national interests.
While the brotherly handshakes and friendly salutations are appreciated, relations between the two countries are headed in a more negative direction. Additionally, the U.S. recently increased tariffs on Indian exports by 25%. They even floated the imposition of penalties on account of India’s Russian oil and arms purchases. This move has drawn ire from India, who see such moves as hypocritical and as an attempt to shift blame. And these are no small matters, with the Indian External Affairs Ministry responding in kind to U.S. scorn over India’s Russian oil purchases, calling the criticism “unjustified and unreasonable.”
This economic friction has led many to question the health and future of U.S.-India trade relations. Sumita Dawra, a senior official in India’s commerce ministry, expressed the nation’s aspirations for ongoing negotiations with the U.S., stating, “We’re looking for a fair, mutually beneficial deal.” She remained optimistic about the negotiations, adding, “I’m sure our negotiators will do a great job.”
India and the U.S. are finding accord amid discord. They all share a strong concern about China’s growing dominance in the region. Though not without their differences, both countries understand the need for bilateral cooperation to offset Beijing’s increasing aggressiveness. This mutual passion has been an important part of deepening our relationship through the years. This was most apparent during the presidencies of George W. Bush & Barack Obama.
With assurance, India is charting its own course on the world stage. It is at the same time on the offensive negotiating trade agreements that suit its domestic agenda. The nation is in the midst of simultaneous negotiations over free trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union. This strategy seeks to enhance its economic prospects independent of U.S. clout.