About the Topic:

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington marked a significant milestone in Indo-US relations, which had experienced a positive trajectory in recent years. Trade and defence ties between the two countries had reached new heights, with India being the largest trading partner of the US and military trade having reached $25 billion in 2023. The visit was seen as a defining moment of the 21st century, further strengthening the partnership between India and the US in strategic and economic aspects, particularly in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. India’s designation as a Major Defence Partner of the US had allowed for close defence relations, including the signing of foundational agreements and cooperation in the fields of science and technology.

During the state visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US, the focus was on elevating the Indo-US partnership in trade and investment. The visit held great significance, as it reinforced the strategic and economic ties between the two countries and supported their shared Indo-Pacific visions. India played a crucial role in countering China’s military and economic influence in the region and beyond. Since being designated as a Major Defense Partner in 2016, India had established close defense relations with the US through various agreements and cooperation programs. Additionally, India and the US had a history of collaboration in the fields of science and technology, further enhancing their bilateral relations. The state visit was anticipated to mark the beginning of a new phase in India-US relations.

In this context, CPPR conducted “CPPR Dialogue: A Conversation on the India-US Relations in Light of Modi’s State Visit to the US” with Mr Ranjan Mathai IFS, the former foreign secretary and Indian High Commissioner to the UK, moderated by Ms Anisree Surech, Research Associate at CPPR.

Key Discussion Points 

1. India and US cooperate on a wide range of diplomatic, economic and security issues including regional cooperation, defence-military cooperation, counter-terrorism, cyber, space, energy and climate etc.  The focus is on bringing about strategic and economic convergence between India and US, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. 
2. The current visit comes 14 years after the last state visit of the then-Indian PM Manmohan Singh in 2009. Since then the global geopolitical environment and strategic priorities of both countries have changed tremendously.  
3. Differences persist over India-US relations and some challenges need to be addressed to make this accelerated relationship a win-win for both sides. 
4. How will the visit enhance the Defence and Critical technology partnership between both countries and addresses the existing challenges in sensitive technology sharing?
5. State secretary Antony Blinken visited Beijing a few days ago. There is a reapproachment between the USA and China. In his statement, the secretary mentioned that the US will maintain the status quo with respect to their relationship with Taiwan. This was not the mood in Washington a few weeks ago. 

Panelists:

Moderator:

Anisree Suresh (Associate, Research and Client Management, CPPR)

Anisree Suresh is an Associate, Research and Client Management, at Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). She completed her B.A in Political Science from Carmel College, Goa and M.A in International Studies from School of International and Area Studies, Goa University. She has done a couple of research internships from reputed research institutions of IR. Her master’s dissertation was on BIMSTEC and Indo-Pacific and published a research paper on the same. Her research interests pertain to security studies, South Asia, Indo-Pacific, IR theory and gender.

Speaker:

Ranjan Mathai IFS (Former Foreign Secretary of India)

Ranjan Mathai is a former Indian Foreign Secretary and Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He is a member of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) cadre. Prior to this, he served as India’s Foreign Secretary from August 1, 2011 to July 31, 2013.

Date: 22rd June 2023

Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM IST

Venue: Youtube