♤ This reaffirms that India and USA are on the same page with respect to dealing with the rapidly growing influence and presence of China in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.

♤ The real test of the commitments assumed by the two countries will lie in action taken by them in the coming time.

1.22. Way Forward

♤ Defence has emerged as a major area of cooperation with USA emerging as the second largest supplier, after Russia, of sophisticated equipment to India. The sale of 22 Guardian surveillance drones is on the cards and is likely to be announced shortly. Also, reports have emerged about a possible tie-up between Lockheed Martin and the Tata group to locally manufacture F16 aircraft in India. This could provide a significant impetus to the Make in India initiative.

♤ In his op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, referring to his statement about having overcome the “hesitations of history” during his address to the US Congress a year ago, PM Modi affirmed it once again and expressed his confidence with regard to the growing convergence between the two nations.

♤ However, the concerns regarding implications of close cooperation with USA in defence, especially the signal it gives to Russia or China is a factor that needs consideration and adequate policy preparedness.

♤ Similarly, the impact on foundational agreements on India’s strategic autonomy requires careful and skilled diplomatic and political engagement.

♤ On issues at WTO and climate change differences would persist as India needs to safeguard its national interests. These issues require careful management.