India –U.S. Relations in 21st Century

Abstract

The disintegration of Soviet Union had positively impacted indo-US relations in post Cold –War era. The post Cold-War strategic scenario provided a chance to both countries to redefine their bilateral priorities. The US was always keen to improve bilateral relationship with India and therefore India initiated Defense cooperation with the US in changing strategic environment. India’s nuclear explosion had poses some divergences in Indo-US set-aside its sanctions against India. India signed ‘Next Steps in Strategic Partnership with the US in 2004 and both countries strategic dialogue in 2009. The new US President Trump also showed its softness towards India and called Indian Prime Minister Modi as a ‘True Friend of USʼ. The decline of US-Pakistan strategic relations had positively affected Indo-US relations. The Pakistan factor has always affected Indo-US relations. The US administration considers that India would play a meaningful role in counter China planning. The study explores the raison dʼetre of Indo-US strategic partnership. The present paper intends to look into the Indo-US strategic cooperation and points out the improvement in Indo-US strategic relations in 21^st century.