US-India partnership is stronger than ever as what US President Donald Trump stated during his state visit to India. The president later said that both countries have made a tremendous progress during his visit.
“Prime Minister Modi, we have made tremendous advances for our people over the past few days and, working together, I know that our two nations will continue to achieve new breakthroughs, unlock new potential and forge even brighter futures in the years ahead,” Trump said.
“I am pleased to say that the U.S.-Indian partnership is now truly stronger than ever before. This was a great visit with a tremendous friend and a tremendous leader,” he added.
The US-India fresh relationship covers joint programs in different fields. Of those, there are defense and technology cooperation. The partnership with the South Asian country is part of US’ Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Just recently, India approved the purchase of 24 military helicopters worth USD 2.6 billion from the US. Also, India and the US are closely working on the combat against ‘Muslim terrorists.’
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The US-India Relationship Goes Beyond a Mere Partnership
As the US is cementing a stronger influence in the Indo-Pacific region, the deal with India is just the beginning. Accordingly, the US describes it as Indo-Pacific instead of Asia-Pacific for it wants to indirectly reduce China’s influence.
Despite having a hard time reaching India, the US would make India as the center of the regional partnership, analysts said. This is so for China currently has a bigger influence in Southeast Asia, such as in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Maldives.
Whether New Delhi wants it or not, it has to take sides. This is so for, besides security reasons, both world’s biggest economies are racing for the 5G development.
“The technology world, the internet itself is beginning to fault,” said Jayant Sinha, standing committee on finance in Indian parliament. “India needs to decide which side it’s on.”
According to Sinha, he acknowledges that the US is trying hard to persuade countries to join its sides rather than China’s. But as technology environment is taking pace in the region, countries like India should choose among the US or China.