The United States views India as a "very strategic ally" in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly concerning China's increasing influence. This perspective has been consistently emphasized across different administrations, highlighting the enduring importance of the U.S.-India partnership.

Strategic Alignment and Shared Interests

The U.S. considers the Indo-Pacific as a pivotal region in its global strategy, with China as its primary strategic challenge in the area. India's role is seen as crucial in counterbalancing China's growing power and assertiveness. This alignment of strategic interests has led to increased cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, including defense, technology, and economics.

Deepening Cooperation

Over the past decade, India and the U.S. have found increasing parallels in their approaches to the Indo-Pacific, leading to closer bilateral ties. This convergence is evident in their joint efforts within the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), which includes Australia and Japan, and other platforms like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). The U.S. has also recognized India as a Major Defense Partner, facilitating the transfer of advanced defense technologies and intelligence sharing. Joint military exercises and defense agreements further underscore the deepening defense collaboration between the two nations.

Economic Ties and Trade

The U.S. is India's top destination for merchandise exports, and both countries are engaged in efforts to further strengthen their economic partnership. India has joined three pillars of the U.S.-led IPEF, indicating its commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties in the Indo-Pacific region. A potential trade deal between the U.S. and India is reportedly in the final stages, which could significantly boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

U.S. Strategy in the Indo-Pacific

The U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy focuses on building a "free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient" region. This involves strengthening alliances and partnerships, promoting economic growth, and upholding international law and norms. The U.S. is also investing in new embassies and consulates in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands to intensify its engagement in the region.

India's Perspective

India views its cooperation with the U.S. as a means to mitigate China's regional dominance while maintaining its strategic autonomy. India's foreign policy has historically been rooted in balancing great powers, and it continues this approach amidst intensifying U.S.-China competition. While strengthening ties with the U.S. and European partners, India also maintains diplomatic and economic relations with China and Russia, participating in forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the growing convergence in strategic interests, some differences remain in the policy outlooks of India and the U.S., particularly regarding the Indian Ocean region. India considers the Indian Ocean central to its security thinking in the Indo-Pacific, while the U.S. has focused on critical theaters such as the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. Navigating potential U.S. pressure to enter into strategic agreements without compromising its non-aligned stance remains a key challenge for India.

The Trump Administration's Approach

The Trump administration has also signaled its intention to pursue an assertive strategy to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific. This includes strengthening military partnerships and encouraging regional nations to increase their defense spending. While the U.S. may adopt a more confrontational stance towards China, countries like India, Japan, and Australia are likely to support an inclusive Indo-Pacific vision that goes beyond solely containing China.

Overall, the U.S. views India as a vital partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, with both countries sharing a common interest incounterbalancing China's influence and promoting a stable and prosperous region. The strategic alignment and deepening cooperation between the U.S. and India are expected to continue shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific in the years to come.