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India-US Bilateral Relations

The Comprehensive Framework

India-US relations are one of the most consequential bilateral relationships of the 21st century. They are anchored in shared democratic values, growing economic interdependence, and converging strategic interests (primarily on China). Key institutional mechanisms include the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue (Defence + Foreign Ministers), Quad (India, US, Japan, Australia), iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology), and USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum).

Key details
  • India-US civil nuclear deal (123 Agreement): 2008 — enabled civilian nuclear trade; cornerstone of the strategic partnership
  • GSOMIA, LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA: Four foundational defence agreements; LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), BECA (2020) — all signed under Modi government; enable military logistics, communication, and geospatial intelligence sharing
  • Quad: India, US, Japan, Australia — security grouping; leaders' summit format since 2021; focus on Indo-Pacific security, vaccines, critical technologies, climate
  • iCET: India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology; launched June 2023; covers AI, semiconductor, space, defence innovation
  • Designated Major Defence Partner: India designated as US Major Defence Partner (unique category, above non-NATO allies) in 2016
  • India-US trade (2024): Approximately $120 billion bilateral trade; India is among top 10 US trading partners
In the news

Tracked since February 25, 2026 · last seen May 22, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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