United States-India Strategic Partnership: Opportunities and Challenges in the Twenty-First Century
Abstract
The United States and India have recently begun several initiatives that could lead to a strong strategic partnership. India visualizes a major role for itself in the current world order, and the United States acknowledges this possibility. India seeks lasting partnerships to help it achieve its strategic ambitions. The primary question of this thesis is as follows: Will the current partnership agreements between the United States and India further India's long-term national interests? Despite having many common values, including support for democracy, India and the United States have not shared a very cordial relationship in the past. However, since the end of the Cold War, the two nations have moved closer to a more consistent relationship. This study assesses the possibility of India achieving its objectives through a lasting partnership with the United States vis-a-vis partnerships with other major global players. The study indicates that there is great potential for a security partnership between the two countries, although current efforts are more rhetorical than practical. History indicates that the United States has not been a reliable security partner for India, and it is unlikely to be in a position to support India in the event of war with either Pakistan or China. The real convergence of interests between India and the United States lies in the economic and technological arenas. The author recommends that India continue to pursue multilateralism and to adopt a combination of realist and liberal policy that is likely to safeguard its long-term national interests. The thesis also examines other possible strategic partnerships for India. These partnerships are with Russia, China, Japan, and the European Union.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA460767
Entities
People
- Vikas Slathia
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College