THE US INTEREST IN INDIA AND NATURE OF INDO-US NEXUS POST 9/11

Abstract

This article aims at assessing the scope of Indo US interaction over the period 9/11 to 2018. It posits that the Indo American Axis has matured due to the Indo American strategic partnership. The US and India have participated in strategic; political and economic, measures aimed at consolidating the partnership. Within this context, India was seen by some members of the new Bush administration as a potential partner in trying to restrain China’s assertiveness and maintaining the balance of power in the Indian Ocean region. The Bush administration also saw India as a key factor in securing the maritime routes in the Indian Ocean region, which were critical for trade and oil transportation. Officials from Obama’s administration said they have confidence that the relations with India will be stable as the relations were with the former President George W Bush. To promote defense relations, a number of treaties were made that broadened the strategic and security relationship between the US and India, including enhanced integration of the two navies, shared maritime security of the Indian Ocean, and convergence on Afghan theatre and counterterrorism. Much of these treaties were part of an effort by President Obama to seek a genuine strategic partnership with India deepening our military relationship as well as trade and support for democracies. The Trump administration was marked by an active alliance for the purposes of strategic joint security projects and defense pacts. The complexity of Indo-U.S. relations at this time also highlighted both countries’ attempts to balance their strategic priorities with the multipolarity of the international system.

Keywords: Containment, Counter-Terrorism, Tactical Detection, unmanned aerial vehicle, Manichean perspective