India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States in September 2024, marked by high-level bilateral meetings and his participation in the 2024 Quad Summit, was a major moment in the evolving relationship between India and the United States. The summit provided a platform to reinforce key aspects of cooperation and address emerging challenges in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
The Biden presidency has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening the trajectory of India-US relations, setting the tone for what many have termed a “multi-generational partnership.” Building on the foundation laid by previous administrations, Biden’s approach has emphasized technological cooperation, defense collaboration, and joint regional efforts within the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, the commitment to ensuring the long-term success of the partnership has been visible in several key initiatives and agreements, which we explore in greater detail below.
Perhaps one of the most significant dimensions of US-India relations under Biden has been the deepening of technological cooperation. The focus has shifted from conventional areas to high-end, cutting-edge sectors. The Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), launched in May 2022, encapsulates this strategic move. This initiative paves the way for the two countries to cooperate on a range of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, space exploration, 6G mobile networks, and the semiconductor supply chain.
India’s technological capabilities have seen a boost in recent years, but quantum technology remains a frontier in which India lags behind many of its global counterparts. The US initiative to bolster India’s quantum tech capacity is significant. The iCET provides a framework that includes joint research, academic partnerships, and the exchange of expertise. This initiative is designed to give India a much-needed edge in quantum technology, potentially leapfrogging its developmental challenges in this complex field.
Another significant move has been the US’s willingness to assist India in developing its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. As the global shortage of semiconductors revealed the fragility of supply chains, the Biden administration saw an opportunity to integrate India into the global chip manufacturing ecosystem. The agreement between the two countries aims at setting up a semiconductor fabrication plant in India, an endeavor that could be a game-changer for India’s industrial and technological landscape.
The partnership will not only help reduce global supply chain disruptions but also place India as a key player in the tech industry. This would mark a significant step in India’s transition from a service-based economy to one with a stronger manufacturing base in advanced technologies.
A parallel partnership that has gained momentum is the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030. With the global focus on mitigating climate change, this partnership aligns with both nations’ commitment to a greener future. India has pledged to achieve a target of 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. The US has stepped in to support this ambition through technology transfer, financing, and joint research projects in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The agreement aims not only to help India achieve its energy goals but also to reinforce America’s global climate leadership by forging partnerships with emerging economies like India.
The US-India defense relationship has evolved considerably over the last decade, and under the Biden administration, it has grown even stronger. The 2023 agreement for the joint production of GE414-INS6 jet engines marks a significant step in the defense-industrial collaboration. The deal, which promises to transfer 80% of the engine technology to India, could redefine India’s defense production capabilities. However, it remains to be seen if the agreement will be fully realized before the end of Biden’s term, given that it is still in the negotiation stage more than a year after its initial announcement.
Beyond jet engine production, several other defense initiatives have shaped the Biden era. The India-US Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) aims to further develop India’s defense-industrial complex by fostering collaboration between private companies, government entities, and defense startups from both nations. The establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for American C-130 Super Hercules aircraft in India is another noteworthy development. This facility not only enhances India’s defense maintenance capabilities but also provides support for other international operators of the aircraft.
India’s procurement of MQ-9B drones is another example of deepening defense cooperation. These drones, which will bolster India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, are a reflection of the growing trust and alignment between the two nations on regional security and defense needs.
Under Biden, the US has placed a strong emphasis on India’s leadership role within the Quad, a strategic grouping that also includes Japan and Australia. The Quad has evolved from being a loosely connected dialogue platform to a high-profile, summit-level initiative with a robust agenda focused on the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad has held six summit-level meetings and eight foreign ministers’ meetings since its elevation in 2021, highlighting the commitment of member states to this regional grouping. The Quad’s agenda now spans cooperation in areas such as maritime security, infrastructure development, and vaccine distribution in the Indo-Pacific.
Maritime security remains a central pillar of the Quad’s purpose. The Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), established in May 2022, exemplifies the Biden administration’s commitment to enhancing maritime security in the region. The initiative offers near-real-time, integrated, and cost-effective maritime domain awareness information to regional partners. IPMDA’s expansion to cover the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Island countries underscores the Quad’s growing relevance in maintaining regional stability.
The 2024 Quad summit introduced additional maritime initiatives, including the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI), a maritime legal dialogue, and the first-ever Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission. These measures reflect the Biden administration’s intention to build capacity, improve communication, and enhance collaboration among Quad members on maritime issues.
Despite the progress, there have been challenges that could derail the positive momentum in India-US relations. Several issues have surfaced during Biden’s tenure.
Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)-related sanctions: India narrowly avoided sanctions related to its procurement of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, receiving a waiver in 2022. This situation highlighted the potential friction between the two countries over India’s defense ties with Russia.
- India’s stance on the Ukraine conflict: India’s abstentions on key UN resolutions condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its continued imports of Russian oil, despite US sanctions, have been points of contention.
- US withdrawal from Afghanistan: The sudden US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 raised concerns in India about regional security and the growing influence of the Taliban and Pakistan in Afghanistan.
- Alleged extraterritorial operations: Recent allegations surrounding Indian extraterritorial operations, particularly related to the assassination of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, have raised tensions not only between India and Canada but also cast a shadow over India’s relations with the US.
- US criticism of India’s human rights record: Several high-profile US officials, including members of Congress, have criticized the human rights situation in India, particularly related to press freedom and the treatment of minority communities. While these issues have not significantly impacted official relations, they remain a sticking point.
The challenge for future administrations—both in Washington and New Delhi—will be to sustain the momentum built during the Biden presidency. Among the priorities for the next US administration, two issues stand out:
- Semiconductor fabrication plant: Given its strategic importance, the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication plant in India should be expedited. This will further strengthen India’s position as a key player in global supply chains and ensure technological self-reliance.
- Jet Engine GE414-INS6 joint production: The successful execution of this deal will serve as a landmark in the defense partnership and bolster India’s capabilities in aerospace technology.
The Biden administration has made significant strides in building a robust, multi-faceted partnership with India, grounded in trust and mutual strategic interests. Under Biden, the India-US relationship has evolved beyond a transactional approach, focusing on long-term capacity building, particularly in the areas of technology and defense.
Regardless of who occupies the White House in 2025, the real test will be in maintaining the same level of interest and political will to keep this relationship on track. The foundation has been laid, but the onus will be on both nations to continue implementing the ambitious agreements and initiatives set forth during Biden’s tenure. Ultimately, the success of this partnership will depend not only on the intent but also on the execution of these initiatives in the years to come.
