Building Bridges: Opportunities and Challenges in the Evolving India-US Partnership

The Republic of India and the United States share a dynamic and evolving partnership shaped by shared values, economic ties, and mutual strategic interests. Our Founder, Kerav Agarwal went on to speak to two experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Katherine Hadda and Rick Rossow, who offer insights into key opportunities and challenges shaping this important bilateral relationship.

India-US relations are at a point where mutual trust and shared goals can address global challenges, from climate change to cybersecurity. Katherine Hadda, a distinguished fellow at CSIS, highlighted the growing alignment of democratic values, the increasing role of technology in promoting collaboration, and the opportunities presented by economic interdependence. She stated, "The US-India relationship is at a point where mutual trust and shared goals can help address global challenges. However, for this partnership to reach its full potential, both nations must continue to prioritize transparency, equitable trade practices, and people-to-people connections."

Rick Rossow, the head of CSIS's India-US relations program, highlighted three key aspects of the relationship: people-to-people ties, defense cooperation, and commercial relations. "People-to-people ties are a foundational pillar that we don’t need to fix, just protect. But we need to work harder on security and trade," Rossow observed.

On the security front, both experts emphasized the importance of enhancing military cooperation in the face of evolving regional threats, particularly from China. Rossow noted, "The United States and India view security threats differently, with the US focused on East Asia and India on the Indian Ocean. Bridging these perspectives and finding common ground is crucial for stronger defense collaboration." Hadda also underscored the potential of defense ties, pointing to the Quad’s role as a platform for cooperation. Enhancing interoperability, expanding joint exercises, and addressing bureaucratic hurdles can unlock new potential in defense collaboration.

Economic ties between India and the United States have grown significantly over the years, but challenges remain. Hadda pointed out, "Both nations need to resolve trade disputes and invest in creating sustainable supply chains. Encouraging American businesses to explore opportunities in India’s rapidly growing markets can be a win-win strategy." Rossow expressed concerns about potential trade friction, citing protective measures for domestic manufacturing and higher customs duties in India that have caused frustrations on the US side. Despite these challenges, both experts emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and mutual benefits to achieve economic synergy.

Guiding through challenges like India’s historical ties with Russia also remains crucial. Rossow noted, "While high-level diplomacy has mitigated friction, frustrations persist at lower levels within the US government regarding India’s continued engagement with Russia. However, the long-term outlook remains optimistic, as both nations are betting on India as a rising power.

Both experts emphasized looking beyond national capitals to explore collaborations at the state and city levels. Rossow advised, "India’s development trajectory is increasingly driven by state policies and cities, and the real potential for partnerships lies there." Hadda added a call to action for policymakers, researchers, and students, urging them to "think big, act collaboratively, and focus on long-term sustainability."

Ending on a lighter note, Rossow revealed his favorite Indian dish: butter chicken (murgh makhani). "I could eat that forever," he said, reflecting the personal connections that often underpin the broader relationship between the two democracies.

You can find the archives of the interviews here:

Interview With Rick Rossow (Transcript)

→ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuqno355G0U (Video)

Interview With Katherine Hadda (Transcript)

→ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78ZB1CZOFVQ (Video)

Written By: Abhimanyu Gupta, President of Operations