Recently, Prime Minister Modi and President Biden met in US and started off their bilateral talks. While PM Modi spoke of a “transformative”decade” ahead in India-US relations, President Biden said that the relationship “is destined to be stronger, closer and tighter”. In that light, let’s have a look at the relationship between India and US over the decades.
Crux of the Matter
Post Independence
In 1949, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited US and met the then US President Harry Truman. During Cold War, Nehru chose the policy of ‘non-alignment’, and over time, India grew closer to the Soviet Union.
Indo-China War
India-US ties remained cordial during the tenures of Presidents Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. During the 1962 Indo-China war, amidst China’s invasion, US reportedly provided India with assistance. US also recognized McMahon Line as the border between India and China.
Indo-Pak Wars (1965-1971)
In the 1965 war, Indo-US relations suffered as US was reluctant to blame Pakistan for starting the war. However, then US President Nixon openly supported Pakistan during the 1971 war. He reportedly called Indians “slippery, treacherous people”.
The 70s
In 1974, India tested its first nuclear device. As a result, the US enacted the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act in 1978. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) required countries to allow inspections of all nuclear facilities by IAEA, however, India refused to sign the NPT which further strained the Indo-US ties.
Bhopal Gas Tragedy
In 1984, toxic gas and chemicals leaked at US-owned Union Carbide Pesticide Plant in Bhopal killed thousands. India’s extradition request for the CEO of the company was unsuccessful. This had an effect on the realtions of both the countries and the strained ties further deteriorated.
Post 1998
India had conducted successful nuclear tests in 1998, after which US imposed sanctions on India. US blamed Pakistan for violating the borders in the 1999 Kargil war. Later in 2000, Bill Clinton became the first US President since 1978 to visit India.
The 2000s
India, US signed the new framework for Defense Relationship in 2005. Later, India, US signed the civil nuclear deal, ending India’s isolation from world nuclear market. US also joined India in counter terrorism measures.
Under Obama's Administration
Barack Obama became the only US President to make two official visits to India. He supported India’s bid to be a permanent member of the UN Security Council and also agreed to supply civil nuclear equipment to India.
2017 Onwards
US President Donald Trump declared support for India amidst conflicts with China. In 2018, US became the 2nd largest arms supplier to India.
Annual bilateral trade in 2019 was at $149 billion compared to $11 billion in 1995. The bilateral relations between India-US has developed into a “global strategic partnership.
Curiopedia
China has become India's largest trading partner with a bilateral trade of $86.4 billion in fiscal year 2021. The US comes in second.