Indo us ties beyond specific leaders

Indo us ties beyond specific leaders

The third India-US 2+2 dialogue strengthens the partnership between the two countries that ranges from the political and the military to trade, technology and energy.

This partnership is critical as India begins its term as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council in January. The India-US partnership is not tied to the administration of the day or personalities in office but rooted in mutual interests and shared values.

The signing of the long-inthe-making Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for geospatial cooperation encapsulates this. The BECA is the most critical outcome of the current round as it gives India access to extremely accurate geospatial data.

The US stressed on the importance of countering China and the threat it poses to democracy, rule of law and transparency. At the same time, the India-US partnership is about a whole lot more than countervailing an overbearing China.

It is a crucial part of securing stability, distinct from stasis, as the world leaves the unipolar moment behind and embraces multipolar existence. The strengthening of the Quad, comprising Japan and Australia, besides India and the US, is part of this.

Being effective calls for not just advanced weaponry but also the sharing of vital information and the ability to coordinate and cooperate in an efficient manner.

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI), satellite surveillance, cybersecurity, robotics and materials are integral parts of emerging strategic capability. Equipping powers that are committed to acommon goal in all areas of strategic capability is an integral goal of continuing, multifaceted dialogue between countries such as India and the US.

While the core of the dialogue focuses on political and military engagement, healthcare and the efforts to tackle Covid were another strand of the dialogue. As was the issue of terrorism and India’s willingness to contribute to security and stability in Afghanistan. From the immediate to the strategic, the scope for cooperation is wide, and it calls for effort.