As the United States stands on the brink of a new presidential term, with Donald Trump set to be sworn in again, the US-India relationship is entering an exciting new chapter. While India and the US have always shared a strong partnership, recent developments—from defence cooperation to joint ventures in cybersecurity and counterterrorism—underscore the growing alignment of their global visions. The coming years, marked by a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and security, hold significant promise as both countries position themselves at the forefront of international diplomacy and defence.

The strategic bond between India and the US has reached unprecedented heights, particularly in defence and security. As highlighted by Ambassador Eric Garcetti during his speech in Mumbai at an event, the two countries are now working more closely than ever to confront global challenges, leveraging shared values and common goals. The US-India Defence partnership is built on four critical pillars—peace, prosperity, planet, and people. These principles guide the countries as they navigate evolving global threats, from regional conflicts to transnational challenges like cyberattacks, terrorism, and piracy.

A Robust Defence Partnership

The US-India Defence relationship is a cornerstone of their growing partnership, characterized by robust cooperation in technology, intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and Defence exports. Since 2008, Defence exports from the US to India have surged to over $25 billion, marking a sharp contrast to the near-zero figure a decade earlier. Today, India is one of the largest purchasers of US military systems, from Apache helicopters to C130 transport aircraft. More importantly, the two countries are not just trading arms; they are co-developing and co-producing cutting-edge Defence technologies, cementing their role as global leaders in Defence innovation.

Ambassador Garcetti highlighted the role of military collaboration in peace-building, noting that joint military exercises such as Yudh Abhyas, Tiger Triumph, Malabar, and Vajra Prahar foster deeper mutual understanding between US and Indian troops. These exercises, conducted across diverse terrains—from the mountains of Alaska to the Indian Ocean—enhance operational interoperability and build lasting relationships between the armed forces of both nations.

In a world where technological advancements are reshaping warfare, the US and India are poised to lead in the “networked war” era. As Garcetti noted, the future of Defence lies not just in large-scale military systems but in small, technologically advanced systems, such as drones and cyber weapons. Both India and the US are uniquely positioned to understand and drive these innovations, with India’s growing tech industry and the US’s entrepreneurial culture converging to create new possibilities for military cooperation.

Combating Global Challenges: Cybersecurity and Piracy

Beyond Defence, the two countries share a mutual interest in combating a range of global threats. Cybersecurity is one such area of cooperation, as both nations face rising risks from state and non-state actors seeking to destabilize their digital infrastructures. In his remarks, Garcetti highlighted the importance of strengthening cyber capabilities and improving resilience against cyberattacks. The partnership in this domain extends to joint training, information sharing, and developing robust defence mechanisms against cyber threats.

Similarly, both India and the US are committed to tackling maritime piracy, a growing concern in international waters, particularly in the Indian Ocean. India’s active role in anti-piracy operations, including deploying naval assets to safeguard international trade routes, has underscored its emerging leadership in global security. The US, a long-time ally, is working alongside India to monitor and deter piracy, enhancing security across critical sea lanes that are vital to global trade.

Shared Values and Transnational Cooperation

At the core of the US-India relationship lies a shared commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Both countries are proud of their democratic traditions, with India being the world’s largest democracy and the US being its oldest. These common values drive their collaboration in counterterrorism, transnational crime, and other areas where global cooperation is essential.

Ambassador Garcetti underscored the importance of law enforcement cooperation between the two nations in tackling issues like human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms trade. Recent efforts have led to concrete actions, such as the 2023 anti-trafficking conclave in New Delhi, which brought together various stakeholders to combat cyber-enabled trafficking. Similarly, the US and India have strengthened their ties in combating the illicit drug trade, with India stepping up as a founding member of the alliance against synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

Terrorism, a persistent threat to both nations, continues to be a major area of concern. The US and India have made significant strides in sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to disrupt terrorist networks, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Their collaboration goes beyond security measures to include initiatives aimed at deradicalizing vulnerable communities and promoting peacebuilding efforts in conflict zones.

Economic Growth and the Path to Prosperity

As Ambassador Garcetti stated, peace cannot be achieved without prosperity. The economic ties between the US and India are integral to their broader strategic relationship. With India’s rise as a global economic power, the two countries have worked closely to strengthen trade relations, foster innovation, and create job opportunities. The economic partnership is also reflected in the people-to-people exchanges, as both countries encourage investments, technological collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

One of the most exciting prospects for the future is the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), a visionary project aimed at reviving historical trade routes like the Spice Route. This initiative promises to enhance connectivity, trade, and security across the Indo-Pacific region, with India playing a pivotal role in driving this vision forward. As Garcetti noted, this ambitious corridor could reshape the global economic landscape, reinforcing the strategic bond between the US and India while promoting regional prosperity.