GS2 Full
Q1. Shared ideals guide US-India partnership in technology and defense, promoting global norms. Elucidate (10M)
Introduction
The India-US technology partnership is aligned on their concerns vis-a-vis the rise of China and the need for de-risking supply chains and achieving technological advancements with cross-sector application. This provides an opening for increasing technical, scientific, and defense cooperation on the one hand, and US investments in India’s efforts to upgrade capability in critical sectors like semiconductors, on the other.
Body:
Shared ideals guide US-India partnership in technology and defense, promoting global norms:
- Advanced telecommunication: India and the US share a common vision of establishing secure and trusted telecommunications, resilient supply chains, and promoting global digital inclusion.
- This shared objective has led to the creation of two Joint Task Forces focused on advanced telecommunications, specifically Open RAN and research and development in 5G/6G technologies.
- Space domain: in terms of U.S.-India space cooperation, both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) agreed to develop a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation by 2023.
- India also joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, through which the United States hopes to explore the moon and beyond.
- Semiconductor development: An MoU was also signed on the Semiconductor Supply Chain and Innovation Partnership, through which Micron Technology, agreed to invest up to $825 million to build a new semiconductor assembly and test facility in India.
- Clean energy collaboration: Both countries are collaborating to secure resilient critical minerals supply chains through enhanced technical assistance and commercial cooperation.
- India’s participation in the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) is welcomed by the US, as it accelerates the development of diverse and sustainable critical energy minerals supply chains globally.
- Innovation partnership: Created a new Joint Task Force of the Association of American Universities and leading Indian educational institutions to expand research and university partnerships.
- Quantum computing: Both countries have agreed to establish a joint Indo-US Quantum Coordination Mechanism to facilitate collaborative research between the public and private sectors.
- India is already engaged with Entanglement Exchange and the US Quantum Economic Development Consortium, enabling multi-nation exchanges on quantum computing.
Defence cooperation:
- Counterterrorism: Both countries are committed to countering terrorism and extremism. Intelligence-sharing and joint exercises enhance their capabilities to thwart threats.
- Maritime Security: Cooperation in maritime security strengthens stability in the Indo-Pacific, with combined efforts to maintain open sea lanes and ensure freedom of navigation. E.g. Malabar exercise.
- Defense Technology: The Defense Technology and Trade Initiative fosters technology sharing, co-development, and production, enhancing military capabilities.
Conclusion
India-US relations have steadily strengthened over the years, marked by strategic cooperation, technological partnerships, and defence collaborations. While challenges and differences remain, the overall trajectory of India-US relations is positive, emphasizing the importance of the bilateral partnership in areas such as defence, trade, technology, and space exploration.
Q2. The India-China-US triangular relationship has undergone significant shifts from its origins. Examine the statement. (15M)
Introduction
In recent years, the India-China-US triangular relationship has become more complex and unpredictable. The three countries are all competing for influence in the Indo-Pacific region, and they are all concerned about China’s rise. This has led to a number of tensions between the three countries.
Body:
Shift in India-China- USA triangular relationship:
Origin and early dynamics
- Cold War Context: The origins of the triangular relationship can be traced back to the Cold War era, when India pursued a non-aligned foreign policy stance.
- India maintained relations with both superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, while also engaging with China.
- Border Conflict: The 1962 Sino-Indian War led to strained relations between India and China, pushing India closer to the Soviet Union for security assistance.
Shifts in the Post-Cold War Era:
- Economic Reforms and Opening: Following economic liberalization in the 1990s, India pursued closer economic ties with the United States, leading to a gradual improvement in relations.
- Geopolitical Shifts: China’s rise as a global economic and military power prompted a recalibration of India’s foreign policy.
- India’s “Look East” policy evolved into the “Act East” policy to enhance engagement with Southeast Asian nations and counterbalance China’s influence.
- The rise of China: China’s rise has been a major factor in the shifting dynamics of the triangle. China has become a major economic power, and it has also become more assertive in its foreign policy.
- This has led to concerns in India and the United States about China’s intentions.
Contemporary Dynamics and Shifts:
- Economic Interdependence: Rapid globalization has led to increased economic interdependence among the three nations. China and the United States are major trading partners for India, even as tensions persist in other areas.
- Strategic Competition: The growing influence of China and its assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region have led to concerns in India and the United States. This has prompted deeper security cooperation and strategic alignment between them.
- Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad): The Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, has emerged as a platform to address regional challenges and ensure a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
- China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India’s concerns over the strategic implications of China’s BRI, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, have further strained the India-China relationship.
- Technological Competition: The technological rivalry between the United States and China has implications for India’s technology partnerships and choices.
- Regional Dynamics: India’s strategic partnerships with countries like Japan and Australia, as well as its role in the Indian Ocean region, have implications for both China and the United States.
Conclusion
The India-China-US triangular relationship is a complex and dynamic one. The future of the triangle is uncertain, but it is likely to play a major role in the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
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