Described as the defining partnership of 21st century, India and the US are set to give a big boost to bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the United States from February 12 to 14 is being closely monitored by the strategic community, as it marks a pivotal moment for two of the world's leading democratic, economic, and military powers. 

This visit to the White House occurs against the backdrop of President Trump's renewed commitment to elevating Indo-US relations. The invitation extended to Prime Minister Modi during the initial month of Trump's second presidential term underscores the importance of this meeting in fostering deeper collaboration across various sectors, including economy, trade, defence, space, nuclear energy, cybersecurity, advanced technologies, and rare minerals etc.

Modi-Trump bonhomie
The personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump is expected to play a crucial role in laying the groundwork for an even more robust partnership. Prime Minister Modi has expressed optimism that his visit will further solidify the friendship between India and the United States, enhancing cooperation in a multitude of areas.

This visit is anticipated to not only reinforce existing ties but also to explore new avenues for collaboration, ultimately contributing to a more strategic and multifaceted relationship between the two nations.

India-US strategic alignment
In the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the significant convergence of two global powers at the dawn of this century, a decade after the Cold War's conclusion, has marked the onset of a new phase in strategic realignment.

China now finds itself in a complex predicament as its rival, India, forges closer ties with the United States, culminating in the formation of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue alongside Japan and Australia.

The strategic partnership between India and the United States has consistently garnered bipartisan support within American political circles, as the US political and strategic community increasingly recognizes the importance of collaboration with India.

The nuclear capabilities of India have enhanced its strategic stature, further bolstered by the US through a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, positioning the four-nation alliance as a formidable counter to the challenges posed by China.

The strategic partnership between India and the United States was elevated to a Global Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President Trump's visit to India in February 2020, and both countries now have an ambitious agenda to further deepen this relationship.

In light of China's assertive actions across various regions, from the South China Sea to the mountainous areas of Ladakh, India recognizes the necessity of a robust strategic ally.

Concurrently, the United States views India as a crucial partner in its efforts to establish an alternative supply chain that can reduce reliance on China, which has been perceived as a threat to U.S. global influence and power.

This mutual need for collaboration underscores the importance of their partnership in addressing contemporary geopolitical challenges.

India-US defence partnership
The defence relations between India and the United States are regarded as a cornerstone of their strategic partnership, which stands out as the most robust among all US allies.

Over the past decades, the US has transferred advanced defence equipment to India, valued at over $25 billion, including modern combat helicopters such as the Apache, heavy-lift helicopters like the Chinook, and unmanned drones like the Sea Guardian.

This transfer of sophisticated military technology has significantly empowered India to address challenges along its land borders with China. The US has committed to further equipping the Indian armed forces with additional advanced systems, discussions of which are anticipated during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Washington.

The defence cooperation, which has primarily functioned within a buyer-seller framework, is now poised to evolve into joint production of weapon systems, including the Stryker vehicle and Javelin anti-tank missiles, with the Modi-Trump discussions expected to pave the way for new advancements in this collaborative effort.

During Prime Minister Modi's visit, it is anticipated that the collaborative relationship between India and the United States in the defence and security sectors will be further enhanced, thereby bolstering India's military capabilities along the Sino-Indian border.
The partnership took a significant step forward in 2015 when both nations renewed the framework for defence cooperation for an additional ten years, with the United States designating India as a Major Defence Partner.

This designation has facilitated regular dialogues on defence and security matters, encouraging both countries to engage in joint military exercises aimed at refining their combat readiness.

To institutionalize this cooperation, the two nations have established a high-level 2+2 ministerial dialogue mechanism, which provides strategic guidance to senior officials on political, military, and strategic issues.

India-US trade relations
As the largest trading partner of India, the United States has seen bilateral trade reach approximately US$ 190 billion, while also establishing itself as the third-largest foreign investor in the country, with investments exceeding US$ 5 billion.

In the context of a modern industrial economy, India is in urgent need of advanced technologies and rare earth minerals that are essential for strategic sectors. The collaboration between the US and India in these areas is designed to enhance their economic independence from China.

Both nations are committed to fostering cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, with India aiming to address trade tariff discrepancies to facilitate mutually advantageous exchanges.

Conclusion
Furthermore, India anticipates that the Trump administration will properly manage immigration issues, which would yield benefits for both economies, as the US requires skilled Indian professionals, while India benefits from the export of its human resources.

In response to the challenges posed by China's Belt and Road Initiative, India and the US have developed an ambitious strategy known as the India-Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEEC) construct, which aims to establish a connection between India and Europe through the Middle East.

This strategic initiative holds significant potential for enhancing the cooperative relationship between India and the US, extending beyond mere bilateral interactions and positioning both nations as a positive force in the region.

Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump, who share a strong personal rapport, are expected to collaborate on additional initiatives that will empower both democracies to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability on a global scale.

***The writer is a senior journalist and strategic affairs analyst; views expressed here are his own