India-US Relations
Post-Cold War Trajectory
India-US relations underwent a fundamental transformation in the post-Cold War period, overcoming decades of mistrust rooted in India's non-alignment and Cold War-era US tilt toward Pakistan. The 2005 Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (commonly called the "123 Agreement", finalised in 2008) was the landmark that transformed bilateral ties — it allowed India civilian nuclear cooperation with the US despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The relationship has since been institutionalised across defence, trade, technology, and people-to-people ties under successive administrations.
- The US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008) ended India's nuclear isolation, enabling civilian nuclear trade with NSG countries.
- The Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership framework, upgraded in 2023, covers defence, technology (including the iCET — Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology), trade, health, and clean energy.
- India and the US conduct over 50 bilateral and multilateral military exercises annually, including Yudh Abhyas (Army), Malabar (Navy, also includes Japan), and Vajra Prahar (Special Forces).
- The US is India's largest trading partner in goods and services combined; bilateral trade exceeded $190 billion in 2023-24.
● Tracked since February 14, 2026 · last seen May 23, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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