During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United States, the stage was set for a significant transformation in India’s partnership with America, with far-reaching implications for regional stability and global cooperation. While no major announcements were made, the three levels of Indian engagement with the US—bilateral, regional, and multilateral—have begun to reinforce each other, ushering in a new era of collaboration.
Bilateral defense cooperation, Indo-Pacific regional balance, vaccine development, and climate change mitigation have emerged as key areas of focus, cutting across the realms of bilateral, regional, and global domains. The convergence of interests between Modi and US President Joe Biden paves the way for a partnership that extends beyond conventional issues like trade, encompassing homeland security, energy, higher education, and technological cooperation.
However, amidst the progress, it is crucial not to overlook the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism, perpetuated by the Pakistan army. The recent resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan further complicates matters, as both India and the US grapple with its consequences. While their interests align on these issues, the Pakistan army, backed by China, remains a regional spoiler that cannot be underestimated.
While Afghanistan remains a concern, both India and the US recognize the larger challenges arising from China’s rise and assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. The inaugural in-person summit of the Quadrilateral forum, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, assumes great significance in this context. The understanding that the Quad will not be a military coalition allows for a broader non-military agenda, focused on providing public goods across the Indo-Pacific. By offering a credible alternative to China and addressing issues such as health, telecommunications, and infrastructure development, the Quad enhances its acceptability and sustainability in the region while countering Beijing’s attempts to label it as an “Asian NATO.”
Furthermore, India’s growing economic power positions it as a critical player in shaping global outcomes. As India deepens its partnership with the US, its global strategic significance will be further bolstered. Prime Minister Modi highlighted crucial global concerns such as pandemic management, climate change, and terrorism in his address to the United Nations General Assembly, recognizing the need for a global consensus on these pressing issues.
While there is still much work to be done in achieving this consensus, the collaboration between India and the US serves as a vital step towards shaping the future. By advancing their partnership for regional stability and the global good, India and the US are poised to make a substantial impact on the world stage.