India-U.S. Strategic Partnership

The initiative comes when the U.S. seeks to out-compete China in critical technologies and tighten the screws on China’s semiconductor industry.

The US and India inaugurated a programme to strengthen their strategic alliance on January 31, with delegations led by the National Security Advisor (NSA).
The two sides announced a series of programmes to expand the depth and breadth of bilateral collaboration in cutting-edge technologies, particularly the defence sector.

The New Technological Initiatives
- Firstly, among the projects is a Research Agency Partnership between the National Research Foundation of the United States and Indian science agencies.
- It is a mechanism for quantum computing collaboration that will include academics and industry.
- In addition, a new defence-industrial cooperation roadmap is being developed.
- Supporting semiconductor growth in India, including forming a task force to investigate opportunities.
- Furthermore, it increased space cooperation, including human spaceflight.
- A private-public forum to advance 5G/6G cooperation and the implementation of Open RAN in India was also announced.
- The US also promised a prompt examination of General Electric’s application to manufacture jet engines in India for India-made Light Combat Aircraft.

Defence Relationship
- This part of the relationship has played a significant role in the evolution of bonds during the last decade.
  - A Joint Committee on Defence and other sub-groups deal with various defence technology sectors.
- India has been designated as a ‘Major Defense Partner’ and a ‘Strategic Trade Authority Tier 1’.
  - The latter offers India the status of a ‘non-NATO ally’.
- Since 2008, India has spent $18 billion on defence purchases.
- In addition, India and the US have also signed three out of the four foundational defence agreements.
- The General Security of Military Information Agreement(GSOMIA) was signed in 2002.
  - This agreement provides for greater technology cooperation in the military sector.
- The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) was signed in 2016.
  - It aspires to build a functional military partnership and allow each country’s troops to refill supplies at each other’s facilities.
- Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) is the India-specific version of CISMOA signed in 2018.
- Industrial Safety Ann permits several US companies, including Boeing, to establish manufacturing operations in India.
- It will help India reach its ‘Make in India’ aim while creating more job possibilities.
- Furthermore, it will also result in technology transfer from the United States to India.

Trade Barriers
- The US has often criticised India at the WTO for setting protective trade barriers and curbing American access to Indian markets.
Low-intensity Trade War
- Firstly, two countries are locked in a ‘low-intensity trade war’ through the imposition of tariffs, thus restricting trade.
- The United States has longstanding concerns over India’s tariff regime, especially agriculture.
- For example, India opposes the continued U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs applied since 2018.
The Generalised System of Preference
- The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) is a trade program that provides non-reciprocal, duty-free treatment for certain U.S. imports from eligible developing countries.
- The US withdrew the Generalised System of Preference, which made many Indian products liable to entry duties by the US.
Immigration
- The US has frequently initiated action in curbing the number of H1B visas to Indian professionals and reviewing the norms guiding them.

The United States and India affirm that our shared democratic ideals and respect for universal human rights should guide the design, development, governance, and use of technology.
India is dedicated to developing an open, accessible, secure digital environment built on mutual trust and confidence.
Furthermore, it will strengthen our democratic principles.

Pic Courtesy: The Hindu

Content Source: The Hindu