U.S.-India Military Relationship: Matching Expectations

Abstract

Abstract : President Bush's visit to India in 2006 created expectations of greater military cooperation between Washington and New Delhi. The military relationship between two countries has proved difficult in past for a number of geopolitical reasons. For example, Washington and New Delhi disagreed on India's non-aligned stance during Cold War, on role of Pakistan in South Asia and on nuclear weapons. Since sanctions were waived against India in September 2001, military relationship has often outpaced other aspects of this renewed engagement, but Government of India and especially its military are unsure that United States is a reliable defense supplier and ally. Resolving these challenges over next five years will determine extent of military cooperation between two nations and will avoid creating unrealistic expectations regarding a strategic military partnership. To be successful, military-to-military relationship must fit into current domestic and international political agendas of both countries. Military cooperation could be catalyst for greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest between the world's oldest democracy and world's largest democracy. Given U.S.-India geopolitical context, determine what types of military cooperation are most likely to be successful and which types should be avoided. Review strengths and challenges of current bilateral programs by comparing U.S. and Indian geopolitical interests to identify which are complementary and which are in conflict. Based on this comparison, determine what types of military cooperation are most likely to be viewed as mutually beneficial and what types are problematic for one or other. The scope of research is focused on next five years (2007-2012) as documented in available literature (see Works Cited) and using official government documents and interviews.