Takshashila Discussion Document - Assessing Arguments Against Closer India-US Ties

Although India’s relations with the US have grown substantially over the last four decades, suspicions remain within certain quarters of the Indian public and intelligentsia, who feel the US is fundamentally an unreliable partner.

To make this case, they point to the history of India-US relations, ideological divergences, and the power the US wields. At the extreme end of these apprehensions are conspiracy theories and unfounded fears, which, if allowed to influence policies, will have a negative impact on critical ties for India’s security and economic development.

Evidently, India has adopted a more astute approach in its foreign policy. Its primary foreign policy objective is to leverage foreign relations for economic development and develop strategic partnerships with countries that help achieve that.

The United States and Europe are India’s most important sources of technology, direct investments, capital, and export markets. India pursues these relations as a rising economic and military power that defends its vital interests and aspires to play a significant role on the international stage.

The paper analyses various arguments against closer ties with the US that are frequently seen in Indian commentaries across various platforms from military and political perspectives. Some arguments or fears are understandable, while others are unfounded or fail to give due weightage to India’s growing strength and agency in doing what is in its best interests, even if it is sometimes against US foreign policy objectives.

India is sought as a partner not by the US alone; it is today an economic and security partner of Europe, Russia, Japan and Australia, among others. India is central to the Indo-Pacific strategy or calculations of major countries that have an interest in the region. NATO, for instance, wants to have closer engagement with India.

Admittedly, India still has a long way to go in terms of economic development, which is its primary goal and the driving force behind its foreign policy. In that context, India’s partnership with the US is critical. This paper argues that, because geopolitical factors favour India, there is a strategic opportunity.

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