This report summarizes the conclusions of a study that was initiated earlier this year on the future of India United States relations in the coming decade.
While President Obama’s visit to India in November 2010 should further strengthen the Indo-US strategic partnership, some issues have the potential of clouding the relationship. Both sides should be sensitive to each other’s concerns and focus on areas such as space cooperation to give the relationship greater dynamism.
India’s increasing reliance on FMS route is indicative of its desperation to bridge the gaps in its defence preparedness and shows the weakness of the Defence Procurement Procedure.
To assuage fears, Japan might see merit to take India on board in the form of a naval cooperation framework to secure peace at sea. Developments in the past 4-5 years in India-Japan relations point towards that direction.
There is a growth trajectory in defence cooperation between India and Japan, complemented by the burgeoning economic relationship providing robustness to the partnership.
India's relationship with the United States has been a subject of debate and discussion. Both nations despite being large and stable democracies have had a contentious relationship demonstrating that shared value systems has not always been an insurance for building friendly relations.
The August 2009 bilateral pact will fortify the security of the Maldives as well as cater to Indian security concerns on the terrorism and geopolitical fronts.
Indo-US Defence Cooperation: Set to Chart a New Trajectory
The most important though understated aspect of Obama’s visit to India was the forward movement on almost all facets of defence cooperation.