THE NEW IMPERATIVE: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIA-US RELATIONS IN TRADE, DEFENCE, AND TECHNOLOGY

The India-United States relationship, once characterized by Cold War estrangement and mutual suspicion, has undergone a profound transformation in the 21st century. Evolving from a "hesitant dialogue" to a "comprehensive global strategic partnership," the bilateral relationship is now one of the most consequential in international politics [1]. This research paper argues that the convergence of strategic interests, primarily driven by the rise of China, has acted as a catalyst, forging deep and multifaceted cooperation across three critical pillars: trade and economics, defence and security, and technology. However, this partnership is not without its challenges, including lingering protectionist tendencies, bureaucratic and regulatory hurdles, and differing perspectives on global governance. By examining the evolution, current state, and future prospects of cooperation in these three domains, this paper concludes that while the strategic alignment is robust, its long-term success hinges on effectively managing differences and translating high-level diplomacy into tangible, ground-level outcomes.