1. Strategic and Security Cooperation:
Defense and Security: Both India and the U.S. view each other as key strategic partners in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. They have deepened defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, defense sales, and partnerships in counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
Geopolitical Alignment: Shared concerns over the rise of China have brought India and the U.S. closer. Both countries are increasingly aligning their foreign policies to ensure freedom of navigation, regional security, and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.
2. Economic Ties:
Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade between the U.S. and India has grown significantly, with both countries benefiting from increased commerce in areas such as technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and services. India is one of the largest trade partners of the U.S. in the region, and the U.S. is a major investor in India.
Global Supply Chains: India's role in global supply chains, especially in the technology sector, makes it a valuable partner for the U.S. India's booming tech industry, particularly its IT services, has further solidified economic ties.
3. Cultural and People-to-People Connections:
Diaspora Influence: The Indian-American community, one of the fastest-growing and most influential in the U.S., plays a crucial role in fostering ties between the two countries. Indian Americans are present in all walks of life, from business and academia to politics and entertainment, strengthening the social and cultural bonds.
Education and Innovation: Many Indian students study in the U.S., contributing to academic exchanges and fostering long-term connections between the two countries' future leaders and innovators.
4. Shared Values and Ideals:
Democracy and Rule of Law: Both India and the U.S. are democracies with a commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and individual freedoms. Despite occasional disagreements on specific issues, such as human rights or trade policies, the two countries share a fundamental understanding of democratic values.
Multilateral Cooperation: India and the U.S. collaborate in a range of multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, G20, and the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), where they work together on issues like climate change, global health, and international security.