Major and Minor Milestones in India-USA Relations (Chronological)

Early Years:

• 1947: India gains independence. The US, initially hesitant due to India's non-alignment policy, establishes diplomatic relations.
  • Context: Post-World War II, the Cold War begins. India chooses non-alignment, causing suspicion in the US.
  • Importance: Marks the beginning of a complex relationship.
• 1954: US provides the first shipment of food aid to India under Public Law 480.
  • Context: India faces food shortages. This initiates a long history of US food aid.
  • Importance: Early sign of cooperation despite differing ideologies.
• 1962: Sino-Indian War. The US provides military aid to India.
  • Context: India's conflict with China pushes it closer to the US.
  • Importance: Demonstrates US willingness to support India against shared threats. However, the relationship deteriorates again afterward.
• 1971: Indo-Pakistani War and US support for Pakistan.
  • Context: The war for Bangladesh's independence strains US-India ties due to US support for Pakistan.
  • Importance: A low point, highlighting the divergent strategic interests.

Cold War's End and Beyond:

• 1991: Economic liberalization in India.
  • Context: The collapse of the Soviet Union ends the Cold War. India embarks on economic reforms.
  • Importance: Creates new opportunities for economic engagement with the US.
• 1998: India conducts nuclear tests, followed by US sanctions.
  • Context: India's nuclear tests raise concerns about proliferation. The US imposes sanctions.
  • Importance: A setback, but also a turning point. The US begins to see India as a potential strategic partner.
• 2000: President Clinton visits India, marking a reset in relations.
  • Context: Post-Cold War, the US seeks to engage India more proactively.
  • Importance: A symbolic gesture signifying a desire for closer ties.

The 21st Century Partnership:

• 2001: Terrorist attacks on the US. India offers support and intelligence sharing.
  • Context: 9/11 reshapes global politics. India and the US find common ground in counterterrorism.
  • Importance: A turning point. The foundation for a strategic partnership based on shared security concerns is laid.
• 2005: The "Next Steps in Strategic Partnership" (NSSP) is signed, paving the way for cooperation in civil nuclear energy, space, and defense.
  • Context: Growing convergence of interests, especially regarding China's rise.
  • Importance: Significantly expands the scope of bilateral cooperation.
• 2008: The US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement is finalized, ending India's nuclear isolation.
  • Context: US recognizes India's growing importance and seeks to bolster its non-proliferation credentials.
  • Importance: A landmark agreement, demonstrating a high level of trust and commitment.
• 2014: Prime Minister Modi's visit to the US revitalizes the strategic partnership.
  • Context: The relationship had plateaued. Modi's visit injects new energy.
  • Importance: Reinforces the commitment to further deepen ties.
• 2016: India is declared a "Major Defense Partner" of the US.
  • Context: Increasing Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Importance: Facilitates defense trade and technology transfer, solidifying strategic alignment.
• 2018: First "2+2 Ministerial Dialogue" between the foreign and defense ministers of both countries.
  • Context: Desire for more structured and high-level engagement on strategic issues.
  • Importance: Elevates the strategic dialogue and strengthens cooperation on regional and global issues.
• 2020s: Continued growth in defense cooperation, trade, and people-to-people ties. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) gains momentum, focusing on a free and open Indo-Pacific.
  • Context: Shared concerns about China's growing influence and a multipolar world order.
  • Importance: Deepening of the partnership across multiple sectors, reflecting shared values and converging interests in the Indo-Pacific.

Conclusion:

The India-US relationship has evolved significantly from an initial period of mistrust to a comprehensive global strategic partnership. Driven by shared values, democratic ideals, and converging geopolitical interests, particularly vis-à-vis China, the partnership holds immense potential for shaping a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and addressing global challenges. However, managing differences on issues like Russia and navigating potential economic competition will be crucial for the future trajectory of this vital partnership.