Engagement sans commitment: a new phase of US-India relations

Abstract

ABSTRACT The ‘historic’ Biden-Modi Summit (2023) yielded significant concessions and advantages for New Delhi, but did it fundamentally change the relations between the world’s two largest democracies? This article examines the causes of tensions between the two countries and contends that relations between Washington and New Delhi can only be deepened if the former meets the latter’s primary security and economic concerns while also reducing public criticism of its state of governance. The article argues that there is a ‘new’ phase in the partnership because the onus of strengthening the pace and depth of cooperation lies with Washington. It also argues that while Washington has initiated measures to woo New Delhi to its corner, the latter is unlikely to change its approach towards Russia or align itself with the US and its foreign policies. India’s insistence on ‘strategic autonomy’ and engagement in multilateral frameworks that conflict with the US’s national interests demonstrate that considerable disagreements remain between the two states. Although India and the United States have strengthened their mutual engagement, the broader issue is that ties have grown more transactional in nature.