Dwelling on the relations with US, China and Russia, Nandini Rao observes that despite the positive trajectory, challenges pertaining to trade disputes, intellectual property rights concerns, and divergences on geopolitical matters — notably concerning Iran – are some irritants. Nonetheless, the enduring foundation of shared democratic values and mutual strategic interests has sustained the overall upward trajectory of this relationship.
India’s foreign policy is a complex framework of bilateral relationships, extending to influential global powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, along with its neighbouring nations. The Cold War was one of the defining events in world history that changed many equations among and within nations.
The India-U.S. relationship has undergone a profound transformation in the last few decades. The pivotal India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008 marked a seminal moment, signifying the deepening of strategic ties. Over the years, joint efforts in defence, counter-terrorism, and economic domains have substantially strengthened this partnership.
Despite the positive trajectory, challenges such as trade disputes, concerns regarding intellectual property rights, and divergences on geopolitical matters, notably concerning Iran, have emerged. Nonetheless, the enduring foundation of shared democratic values and mutual strategic interests has sustained the overall upward trajectory of this relationship.
Power centres
The geopolitical alignment between India and the U.S. has strengthened, with both nations sharing concerns over regional security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S., India, Japan, and Australia, have emerged as crucial forum partners for strategic combined efforts to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The defence ties between India and the U.S. have deepened, marked by significant defence agreements and joint military exercises. The signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) has enhanced interoperability and intelligence-sharing capabilities.
Economic engagement has been a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. Trade and investment ties have expanded, with both countries recognising the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration. The U.S. has consistently been one of India’s top trading partners, and steps are underway to address trade imbalances and enhance market access for goods and services.
Association in the technology and innovation sectors has gained momentum. Initiatives such as the U.S.-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership and the U.S.-India Artificial Intelligence Initiative reflect a shared commitment to fostering advancements in critical areas. Both India and the U.S. have demonstrated a commitment to addressing global challenges, notably climate change.
People-to-people ties have played a vital role in strengthening the bond between the two nations. The large Indian diaspora in the U.S. contributes significantly to cultural exchanges, educational and economic partnerships and strengthening understanding between the two societies.
Shared concerns
The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of global collaboration. India and the U.S. have cooperated on various fronts, including the supply of vaccines, medical assistance, and joint initiatives in research and development to address the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The Biden administration has emphasised the importance of India in its broader foreign policy objectives. The continuance of engagements such as the Quad and reaffirmation of the U.S.-India partnership during high-level visits underscores the commitment to strengthening ties.
The India-United States relationship in recent times is reflective of a positive trajectory characterised by deepening strategic cooperation, economic partnerships, and shared endeavours to address global challenges. As both nations navigate the complexities of the international landscape, the bilateral relationship holds the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping regional and global affairs.
Complex relationship
India-China relations are historically complex, marked by the unresolved border dispute and the 1962 Sino-Indian war. Despite these historical challenges, economic engagement has flourished, especially within the BRICS framework. However, strategic competition remains a persistent factor.
Ongoing border tensions in regions like Doklam and Ladakh, China’s expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and India’s reservations about Chinese influence in South Asia present significant challenges. The delicate task of balancing economic ties with strategic concerns remains at the forefront of India’s foreign policy approach.
Recent times have witnessed a complex and dynamic evolution in the relationship between India and China, marked by a combination of cooperation, competition, and periodic tensions.
The most significant and visible challenge in recent times has been the recurring border tensions. The 2020 clashes in the Galwan Valley, resulting in casualties on both sides, heightened tensions and led to increased military deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Despite political and strategic differences, economic engagement between India and China has continued. Both nations are members of the BRICS group, and their economic ties involve trade, investment, and participation in initiatives like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Diplomatic channels, including multiple rounds of talks at military and diplomatic levels, have been initiated to address the border issue and prevent further escalation. However, finding a comprehensive resolution remains a challenge.
India has expressed concerns about the trade imbalance and issues related to market access for Indian goods and services in the Chinese market. Efforts to address these economic concerns have been part of bilateral discussions.
Regional dominance
Both India and China vie for influence in South Asia. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its projects in neighbouring countries have at times been viewed with scepticism by India, leading to geopolitical frictions.
Both nations engage in multilateral forums, such as the BRICS, SCO, and G20. Their interactions in these platforms provide opportunities for diplomatic dialogue and collaboration on issues of global significance.
Amidst challenges, there are periodic attempts to find common ground and areas of cooperation. Both nations recognise the importance of stability in the region and have expressed the need for peaceful coexistence.
India-China relations in recent times have been characterised by a delicate balance of cooperation and competition. While economic ties persist, challenges related to the border, strategic interests, and regional influence create complexities in the overall dynamic. The path forward involves continued diplomatic efforts, confidence-building measures, and a commitment to finding mutually beneficial solutions to the existing challenges.
The old ally
India-Russia ties trace their roots back to the Cold War era, where the Soviet Union stood as a key ally. Traditional areas of collaboration with Russia include defence, nuclear energy, and space exploration. Defence ties between India and Russia have remained robust, with Russia being a significant supplier of defence equipment to India. Joint military exercises, technology transfers, and defence projects continue to strengthen this aspect of the relationship.
Economic collaboration, particularly in the energy sector, has been a focal point of the India-Russia relationship. The joint development of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu and discussions on expanding hydrocarbon cooperation demonstrate the economic dimension of the relationship.
In recent times, India has been diversifying its international partnerships. While maintaining strong ties with Russia, India has also engaged with other countries, as part of its broader foreign policy approach.
The challenge for India lies in reducing dependence on Russia for defence equipment and technology. As India seeks to diversify its defence partnerships, balancing historical ties with the need for technological innovation becomes a delicate task.
The evolving regional dynamics, including Russia’s relations with China, introduce complexities for India. High-level diplomatic dialogues between Indian and Russian leaders continue to emphasise the enduring nature of the partnership. Visits by leaders of both nations provide opportunities for discussions on bilateral issues, global challenges, and the strengthening of ties.
Cultural and educational exchanges continue within the two nations. These exchanges play a role in maintaining the historical and cultural affinity between the two nations. Both India and Russia collaborate in various multilateral forums, such as BRICS, and the United Nations. These platforms provide opportunities for joint efforts on global challenges, reflecting a shared commitment to a multipolar world.