The dynamics between India, the United States, and Russia have their own complexities and cannot be solely explained by any single factor.
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the dynamic relationship between India, the United States, and Russia continues to witness intriguing shifts. While historical alliances and conflicts have have undoubtedly played a role in shaping international relations, it also becomes imperative to note that the deepening Indo-US ties cannot be solely attributed to the current state of war or conflicts involving Russia. The relationship between our the countries has for decades has been multifaceted and is driven by a wide range of factors, including shared democratic values, economic opportunities, and strategic interests.
While differences exist on a number of geopolitical issues, including that of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, there is a deeper understanding between the two countries that a closer relationship would serve their interests better, recent events prove that both countries have accepted the fact that overall benefits of enhanced cooperation outweigh the challenges posed by these divergences. This alignment of democratic values between India and the US has led to collaboration in various areas, including that of defense, climate change, counterterrorism, technology, trade and multilateral institutions
These heightened political engagements signifies a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and finding mutually beneficial grounds. The political will demonstrated by both countries as well as the increased level of diplomatic exchanges in recent months is a clear testament to the strong will to safeguard their common interests and nurture a robust and enduring partnership.
The Complex Russo-Chinese Axis:
Amidst ongoing conflicts and geopolitical realignment, Russia and China have sought to bolster their strategic partnership. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russian arms exports to China reached $1.5 billion in 2022, solidifying their military cooperation. However, it is crucial to note that Russia continues to maintain diplomatic relations with various countries, including India. As Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted, “Our relations with India are privileged and are of great importance for our foreign policy.” This emphasizes the enduring significance of Russia-India ties.
The Russo-Chinese alignment does impact certain aspects of Russia’s foreign policy. However, it is essential to recognize that Russia’s engagement with China is not the sole determining factor for the evolving India-US relationship. Instead, the deepening India-US ties are driven by a broader understanding of changing global dynamics and the pursuit of mutual interests.
Strategic Autonomy and Arms Procurement:
India’s policy of strategic autonomy is reflected in its diversified defence partnerships. While Russia has been a longstanding defence supplier to India, recent shifts have led India to explore alternative sources of defence procurement. In this pursuit, India-US defence trade has witnessed significant growth. According to the US State Department, defence trade between India and the US exceeded $20 billion since 2008, showcasing the expanding collaboration.
India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, acknowledged this development, stating, “India-US defence ties are growing rapidly, and they have immense potential to collaborate in defence manufacturing.” This shift towards closer defines collaboration with the US is driven by factors beyond Russia’s current engagements. India seeks to leverage advanced technologies, competitive pricing, and greater strategic alignment to bolster its defence capabilities.
Economic Opportunities and Trade:
The economic dimension plays a vital role in strengthening the India-US relationship. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately $149 billion in 2021, showcasing a remarkable increase from $20 billion in 2001. The US is now India’s second-largest trade partner, and India ranks as the US’ ninth-largest goods export market.
Notably, Indian companies have invested over $22 billion in the US, generating more than 125,000 jobs. These figures underscore the mutual economic benefits driving the closer ties between the two nations. The Indian diaspora in the US, numbering over 4 million, further strengthens the economic and cultural bonds.
Both countries recognize the immense potential for economic collaboration across sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and services. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) estimates that bilateral trade has the potential to reach $500 billion in the coming years. This demonstrates the commitment of both nations to further deepen economic engagement.
Convergence of Democratic Values:
India and the United States, as vibrant democracies, share a deep-rooted commitment to democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law. This shared value system forms a strong foundation for their bilateral relationship. As US Vice President Kamala Harris asserted during her visit to India, “Our nations share a commitment to democratic values, and we are natural partners.”
The alignment of democratic values has led to collaboration in various areas, including climate change, counterterrorism, and multilateral institutions.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “India and the United States are partners in dealing with current and future challenges.” The evolving India-US ties demonstrate the power of collaboration and shared aspirations in forging stronger relationships amidst complex global realities.
Together, India and the US will navigate geopolitical shifts, promote inclusive development, and contribute to a more prosperous and secure world. Their partnership is set to shape the future of the Indo-Pacific region and create positive change on the global stage.
Edited by: Queenie Nair
