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US-India partnership crucial to counter China says CNAS fellow Lisa Curtis
Curtis highlighted key milestones in the relationship, particularly during the Trump administration, such as India’s access to advanced military technologies, including armed drones, and the strengthening of trust between the two nations.
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Lisa Curtis / Image- NIA
The strategic partnership between the United States and India is crucial in countering the rising influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region, stated Lisa Curtis, senior fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS).
In an interview with New India Abroad, Curtis emphasized the need for enhanced defense and security cooperation between the two democracies, stressing that this partnership holds immense potential to maintain regional stability.
Underscoring concerns about China’s ambitions, particularly in dominating technology markets and asserting hegemony in Asia, she said, “The U.S. and India have a deep mutual interest in cooperating to deter China and prepare for crises, whether in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, or the India-China border. While this will not lead to a formal alliance, the partnership can achieve everything short of it.”
Curtis highlighted key milestones in the relationship, particularly during the Trump administration, such as India’s access to advanced military technologies, including armed drones, and the strengthening of trust between the two nations. “India’s acquisition of 31 Sea Guardian drones was a significant development,” she remarked. Curtis also pointed to the Quad’s establishment during this period as a cornerstone of Indo-Pacific security cooperation, with the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia aligning to counter China’s assertive strategies.
She also mentioned events like Prime Minister Modi’s address to 50,000 Americans at the Astrodome in Houston and President Trump’s reception in Ahmedabad, where over 100,000 Indians welcomed him. “These moments showcased mutual respect and the personal rapport between the leaders, which greatly contributed to advancing the bilateral relationship,” Curtis said.
Despite these advancements, Curtis acknowledged challenges, including trade disputes and President Trump’s transactional negotiation style, which occasionally caused friction. “President Trump often used tweets to negotiate, particularly on tariffs, which led to some irritation. But the broader relationship remained resilient, rooted in mutual respect and sensitivity to each nation’s core security interests,” Curtis observed.
Curtis also touched on the Biden administration’s continuation of key Trump-era policies toward China, including maintaining tariffs and imposing stricter export controls. She emphasized that bipartisan consistency in U.S. policy reflects the urgency of addressing the China challenge, making India an indispensable partner in this effort.
Looking ahead, Curtis stressed the importance of reducing India’s reliance on Russian military equipment, a topic that has gained prominence due to the international isolation of Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. “The U.S. will continue encouraging India to diversify its defense imports and respect sanctions on Russia, recognizing that Russia is becoming an unreliable partner,” she stated.
In addition to defense cooperation, Curtis noted the broader geopolitical context shaping U.S.-India ties, including shared positions on issues like counterterrorism and energy security. She praised India’s strong condemnation of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel and its continued support for democratic processes in South Asia, highlighting these as areas of alignment with U.S. interests.
Curtis concluded by expressing optimism about the future of the partnership, while calling for renewed efforts to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and fully realize the potential of U.S.-India collaboration. “Both nations must seize this opportunity to solidify their defense and security relationship, ensuring they are prepared for any eventualities while fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she affirmed.
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