INDIA-US RELATIONS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC PERSPECTIVE: COOPERATION, COMPETITION AND BALANCE OF POWER

Abstract [English]

The transformation of India-US relations from bilateral cooperation to a comprehensive global strategic partnership is a turning point in the contemporary global political and security scenario. This change is important not only for the two countries but for the entire international system. This progress is evidence of changing global paradigms, shared interests and a shared vision of global stability, prosperity and democratic values. The paper begins with a historical overview of post-independence India-US relations. During the Cold War period, these relations were defined by non-alignment and strategic distance, with limited contacts from time to time. After the end of the Cold War, new opportunities prompted both countries to redefine the relationship. The civil nuclear agreement at the beginning of the millennium became the basis of this changing equation. Subsequently, the partnership expanded to areas such as defence cooperation, high technology, space, energy security, climate change, and democracy promotion. The analysis found that the rise of China, the changing balance of power in the Indo-Pacific, and shared counter-terrorism interests strengthened this partnership. Cooperation in forums such as the Quad has become an important dimension to promote peace, security of sea lanes, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. At the same time, challenges also exist - India's military ties with Russia, US support for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, differing views on nuclear disarmament, and some trade and energy security disputes. Nevertheless, growing economic engagement, technology transfers, defence agreements, and convergence on global forums have largely balanced these differences. The study concludes that the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership is based on shared values ​​and strategic interests, which helps establish a balance in regional stability and global governance. The success of this partnership in the future will depend on how both countries take forward the cooperation while maintaining their respective national interests and strategic autonomy.