Reflecting on U.S.-India ties in 2024, looking forward to 2025

Flags of India and US. / Reuters

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the year that went by and look forward to the year that will be.

The ballot defined much of 2024, with around half the world’s population across 70 countries going to polls. The United States and India also undertook this democratic exercise; between them, they represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population.

The election of Donald Trump as president signals continuity in prioritizing the relationship and the Indo-Pacific region with potential shifts in emphasis.

The Trump 2.0 administration is likely to build upon the progress achieved under President Joe Biden while prioritizing issues such as immigration, economic revitalization, and strategic competition with China.

But before we read the tea leaves in 2025, it’s time to reflect on the highlights of 2024.

After the landmark and historic 2023 state visit of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, 2024 witnessed significant milestones setting a robust foundation for even greater U.S.-India collaboration in the new year.

The current year witnessed deepening bonhomie, trust, and significant agreements between Washington and New Delhi that reflect the apex of the relationship. The ties between both democracies are a mark of strategic alignment and shared values pivotal in shaping a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

In September, President Biden and Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed that the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership is the defining partnership of the 21st century in Wilmington, Delaware. 

During the Quad Summit and bilateral discussion, both leaders underscored the shared goals and the desire to expand them to address the challenges of the next decade.

The Quad continues to remain a cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific strategy. The sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in 2024 demonstrated the grouping’s growing influence. The Quad, as a $35 trillion economy of four democracies, has prioritized tackling global challenges, including health security, climate change, rebuilding and rejigging secure supply chains, and the development of critical technologies.

Initiatives such as the Quad Cancer Moonshot aim to combat cervical cancer through public-private partnerships, while the Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI) enhances regional maritime security. The Quad’s emphasis on securing supply chains and emerging technologies underscores its commitment to regional stability and economic growth.

In the 21st century, as data is the new oil, the fight for the world’s most critical technologies lies in semiconductor and semiconductor manufacturing facilities. The establishment of semiconductor fabrication facilities in India reflects a strategic shift to diversify supply chains, bolstering both national security and economic growth. These initiatives align with the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which is fostering innovation in semiconductors, quantum computing, and advanced telecommunications.

The U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership has seen remarkable progress this past year. The India-U.S. Defense Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) has facilitated collaboration in areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. The U.S. India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) was proud to partner with the Ministry of Defense and the Department of Defense to host the third edition of the edition of INDUS-X at Stanford University, California, which was mentioned in the joint statement after President Biden and Prime Minister Modi met and is a critical pillar of iCET.

Under iCET both Washington and New Delhi are aligned on the growth in AI, quantum, and biotech, among other domains, which is now sacrosanct to rethinking national security and defense strategies, particularly with like-minded partners such as India and Quad countries.

The success of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 has laid the groundwork for deeper NASA-ISRO collaboration, including plans for joint research on the International Space Station in 2025. Furthermore, INDUS-X and the privatization of the space sector in India have created avenues for space startups.
On the climate and clean energy front, climate action remains a key area of cooperation. The U.S. has supported India’s ambitious Net Zero goals by 2070 through investments in clean energy technologies. Collaborative efforts to mitigate climate change and transition to a clean economy are crucial for the global fight against environmental degradation.

Both clean energy and supply chains have been prioritized through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), bringing together 14 nations, including India and the U.S. 

Additionally, the opening of new Indian consulates in Boston and Los Angeles highlights the growing importance of the Indian diaspora in the U.S. and strengthening bilateral relations on a people-to-people level engagement, a true hallmark of soft power.

Looking ahead to the new year, as President Trump takes office, the Quad’s strategic importance will remain central under the new administration. President Trump is expected to continue supporting the Quad’s mission to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific, as he did during his administration. Economic cooperation through the Quad can continue to serve as an alternative to bilateral trade agreements, fostering resilient supply chains and regional stability.

President Trump’s focus on re-shoring manufacturing jobs will be a critical focus of his next administration. India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub means that the strategic partnership has to find the best balance between a "Self-Reliant India" with a "Make in America" strategy to enhance cooperation.

Companies like Apple and Tesla have already made significant investments in India. Enhanced collaboration in high-tech manufacturing, including autonomous vehicles and chip design, will strengthen economic ties.

Immigration policies, particularly those affecting H-1B visa holders, will be a key area of concern. Balancing public sentiment with the need for a skilled workforce will be critical. Indian STEM graduates play a vital role in U.S. industries, and pragmatic immigration policies will ensure continued innovation and economic growth and allow the U.S. to maintain a competitive edge.

Defense cooperation, from drone technology to jet engine manufacturing, will likely expand under the Trump administration.

On the geopolitical front, heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific will require nuanced foreign policy. India’s role as a bridge-builder and diplomatic outreach to Ukraine and Poland will be crucial in de-escalating global tensions. The U.S.-India partnership will be instrumental in addressing these challenges through minilaterals such as the Quad, I2U2, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a vital corridor of economic opportunity that should come into operation once the situation in the Middle East abates.

Addressing India’s energy needs, including its reliance on Russian oil, will require a balanced approach to ensure alignment on shared security interests while supporting India’s energy independence, given its voluminous 1.4 billion population.

In 2025, the U.S.-India partnership is poised for growth, driven by shared values, strategic alignment, and mutual interests. Whether addressing global challenges through the Quad, as India gets set to host the Quad Leader’s Summit, fostering innovation in critical technologies, or enhancing economic and defense cooperation, this relationship is pivotal for regional and global stability.

As President Trump begins his second term, his administration has an opportunity to build on the progress made in recent years. By prioritizing pragmatic policies and deepening ties with India, the U.S. can ensure a resilient and prosperous Indo-Pacific, cementing its partnership with India as a defining relationship of the 21st century.

The author is the president and chief executive officer of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of  New India Abroad.)