Priyanka Tiwari
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Historically, the India-US relationship was fraught with distrust, particularly over nuclear issues. The transition from estrangement to engagement was gradual and complex, beginning in earnest after India’s 1998 nuclear tests. The tests initially provoked strong backlash from the US, which went as far as publicly releasing a private letter from PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee to President Bill Clinton, symbolizing diplomatic strain.
Clinton’s 2000 Visit: A Diplomatic Turning Point
The March 2000 visit of President Bill Clinton to India marked a decisive shift. His address to the Indian Parliament on March 22 was a key moment of reconciliation. Clinton acknowledged nuclear realities with candour and emphasized mutual democratic values. PM Vajpayee hailed the visit as the foundation for future engagement.
The Nuclear Issue: From Conflict to Consensus
In the years following, dialogue between India’s then Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh and US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott helped build trust. India’s restraint during the Kargil War (1999) contrasted with Pakistan’s aggression, further enhancing India’s global standing.
Under PM Manmohan Singh and President George W. Bush, the breakthrough came with the 2005 civil nuclear agreement, leading to a bipartisan US Congress vote in 2008 to ratify the deal. The agreement gave India a unique nuclear status, despite its non-signatory status to the NPT, enabling full civil nuclear cooperation.
Strategic Ties in Defence and Beyond
Post-2009, the United States emerged as a major arms supplier to India, a significant shift in bilateral dynamics. This defence relationship is set to deepen, aligning both countries' interests in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Trump Era and the Road Ahead
Despite enhanced defence and strategic cooperation, trade tensions resurfaced during the Trump presidency. With tariff-related actions looming and uncertainty in Washington’s global posture, India faces challenges in maintaining equilibrium in this partnership.
Key future challenges include:
- Navigating US tariff policies
- Ensuring technology transfer and cooperation
- Balancing strategic autonomy with deeper bilateral ties
Delhi must prepare for nuanced, astute diplomacy, especially if Trump returns to power, as trade and tech are expected to become flashpoints again.
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