India-US Strategic Partnership
Evolution and Architecture
The India-US strategic partnership has evolved significantly since the signing of the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP) in 2004, progressing through the Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008), the Defence Framework Agreement (2005, renewed 2015), and the Major Defence Partner designation in 2016. The relationship is now described as a "Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership," with the Quad, iCET, and 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue as its structural pillars. The DPG is the defence policy coordination apex mechanism, sitting below the 2+2 Ministerial (which involves the Defence and External Affairs Ministers with their US counterparts). The broader strategic architecture is designed to address shared interests across the Indo-Pacific, from maritime security to emerging technologies.
- NSSP (2004): first structured strategic partnership framework
- Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008): transformed the relationship fundamentally
- Major Defence Partner designation (2016): unique status for India in US law
- 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue: Defence and Foreign Ministers of both countries; above the DPG
- Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership: current formal designation of bilateral ties
● Tracked since February 14, 2026 · last seen June 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes