India–US Relations and the Question of Growth: Cooperation, Competition, and Strategic Reality

The flags of India and the United States are shown against a map of the Indo-Pacific region, reflecting expanding strategic, economic, and technological cooperation between the two countries.

New Delhi:

As India’s economic and strategic profile continues to rise on the global stage, a recurring question has gained prominence in policy circles and public discourse: Does the United States genuinely support India’s growth as a major power, or does it seek to shape and limit that rise to protect its own interests?

The answer, according to analysts, lies not in conspiracy or rivalry alone, but in the complex dynamics of modern great-power relations—where cooperation and competition often coexist.

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A Relationship Defined by Strategic Convergence

Over the past two decades, India–US relations have expanded significantly across defense, technology, trade, and diplomacy. Once distant during the Cold War, the two democracies today describe their partnership as “comprehensive” and “strategic.”

Key milestones include:

·         The India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008)

·         Signing of foundational defense agreements such as LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA

·         Growing cooperation within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) alongside Japan and Australia

·         Expanding defense trade, which has increased from near zero in 2008 to over $20 billion

These developments suggest that the United States views India as an important partner rather than an adversary.

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The China Factor: A Central Driver

At the heart of India–US convergence lies a shared concern over China’s growing economic, military, and technological power.

For Washington, China represents its most significant long-term strategic competitor. For New Delhi, China is a direct neighbor with unresolved border disputes and expanding regional influence. This alignment has led to closer coordination in:

·         Indo-Pacific security

·         Maritime domain awareness

·         Military exercises such as Malabar

·         Supply chain resilience initiatives

Many analysts agree that India’s rise is seen by the US as a stabilizing factor in Asia, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s dominance.

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Where Tensions Emerge: Autonomy Versus Alignment

Despite broad strategic convergence, India–US relations are not without friction. These tensions often arise not from opposition to India’s growth, but from differing views on how India should grow and align itself globally.

Defense Procurement and Russia

One of the most visible areas of disagreement has been India’s long-standing defense relationship with Russia. India’sdecision to acquire the S-400 air defense system prompted concerns in Washington under the US CAATSA sanctions framework.

From the US perspective, reliance on Russian systems complicates interoperability and strategic alignment.
From India’s perspective, defense diversification is essential for national security and strategic autonomy.

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Energy Security and Sanctions Policy

US sanctions on Iran have also tested the relationship. India, heavily dependent on energy imports, previously sourced oil from Iran due to favorable terms and geographic proximity.

While India eventually reduced Iranian oilimports in line with US sanctions, policymakers in New Delhi have emphasized that energy security decisions cannot be driven solely by external political considerations.

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Technology Transfer and Industrial Growth

Technology cooperation is another area of both opportunity and limitation.

The US has supported India’s ambitions in:

·         Semiconductor supply chains

·         Space cooperation

·         Emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing

However, progress on deep technology transfer, particularly in jet engines and advanced defense manufacturing, has been gradual. Analysts note that technology remains a core element of national power, and major powers are cautious in sharing sensitive capabilities.

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Trade Relations: Growth with Negotiation

Trade remains a complex pillar of the relationship. While bilateral trade has crossed $190 billion, disputes persist over:

·         Tariffs and market access

·         Data localization rules

·         Medical device pricing

·         Digital services taxation

Successive US administrations have raised concerns over India’s trade policies, while India has sought greater access for its services sector and professionals.

These disagreements reflect economic negotiation rather than an attempt to suppress growth, experts argue.

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Trump, Biden, and Continuity in Policy

Although leadership styles have differed, core US policy toward India has shown continuity.

·         Donald Trump emphasized transactional diplomacy, openly criticizing trade imbalances while strengthening defense cooperation.

·         Joe Biden has adopted a more institutional and diplomatic approach, focusing on technology partnerships, climate cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

Despite differences in tone, both administrations:

·         Viewed India as central to Indo-Pacific strategy

·         Supported stronger defense and security ties

·         Encouraged India’s role as a regional stabilizer

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India’s Strategic Approach: Multi-Alignment

India’s foreign policy has increasingly been described as multi-alignment rather than non-alignment.

This approach involves:

·         Strategic partnership with the US

·         Continued defense and energy ties with Russia

·         Engagement with Europe, the Middle East, and the Global South

·         Leadership in forums such as G20, BRICS, and SCO

Indian policymakers have consistently emphasized that India’s rise will be independent, inclusive, and based on national interest, not external alignment.

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Does the US Want to “Control” India’s Growth?

Experts suggest that the US does not seek to stop India’s growth, but—like all major powers—aims to shape global outcomes in ways favorable to its interests.

In this context:

·         The US supports India’s rise as a counterweightto China

·         It encourages economic and defense cooperation

·         It also seeks predictability, alignment, and interoperability

This is not unique to India, analysts note, but characteristic of how great powers manage partnerships.

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The Bigger Picture: Inevitable Growth

India’s long-term growth trajectory is driven by:

·         A large and youthful population

·         A growing digital economy

·         Expanding manufacturing capacity

·         Increasing geopolitical relevance

No single external actor can fundamentally halt this process.

As one senior analyst observed, “The debate is not about whether India will rise, but how India will engage the world as it does.”

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Conclusion: Partnership with Realism

India–US relations are best understood not as a zero-sum contest, but as a pragmatic partnership shaped by shared interests and managed differences.

The US sees India as an essential partner in a changing global order. India sees the US as a valuable—but not exclusive—partner.

The future of the relationship will depend on balancing cooperation with autonomy, alignment with independence, and ambition with realism.

In an era of shifting power dynamics, that balance may define not only India–US relations, but the broader architecture of the 21st-century world.

 

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