India-USA Relations

USA’s Indo-Pacific Policy and its impact on India – UPSC GS2

Context: US administration has announced its Indo-Pacific strategy. Key Points of USA’s Indo-Pacific strategy: Vision of Indo-Pacific: The US will seek an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure and resilient. Free: One of the strategic actions outlined is investing in civil society, a free press and democratic institutions. Connections: Within and beyond the region. US …

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Declining USA Influence – UPSC GS2

Context: Declining American influence post Afghanistan withdrawal. Examples of a declining American influence: Superpowers suffering military setbacks at the hands of weaker forces indicates great power fatigue, prompting both their allies and rivals to rethink their strategic assessments. In the case of the USA, this fatigue and a gradual erosion of its ability to shape geopolitical …

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India-United States Trade Policy Forum – UPSC GS2

India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF): India-United States TPF is a premier forum to resolve trade and investment issues between the two countries. Chaired by: The forum is co-chaired by the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry and U.S. Trade Representative. Focus Groups: The forum has five focus groups – agriculture, investment, innovation and creativity (intellectual property rights), services, and …

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FONOP in Indian Waters – UPSC GS2

Context: US Navy carried out freedom of navigation operations (FONOP) in the west of the Lakshadweep Islands. It lies in India’s exclusive economic zone. It was done without requesting India’s prior consent. Some of India’s strategic community members described this as an unnecessary provocation by the U.S. Navy. Whereas the US defended its operation by stating that …

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US Foreign Policy under Biden – UPSC GS2

What are the contentious foreign policy issues under Biden administration? Relations with China: Rising China poses a diplomatic, economic and technological threat to the U.S. Hence old school strategies such as inclusive security architecture in Asia would not be productive. Also, given the current situation, few countries in Asia are willing to oppose China. In this context, …

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India as a Counter Balance to China : USA – UPSC GS2

Context: A declassified document of US administration asserted that a strong India would act as a counterbalance to Chine in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. Challenges for USA: Maintaining USA’s strategic primacy in the Indo-pacific and stopping China from establishing illiberal spheres of influence. Ensuring that North Korea does not threaten the USA. Advancing the USA economic leadership globally while pushing fair …

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Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)

CAATSA stands for “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act” This punitive act was signed by President Donald Trump in August 2017. It mandates US administration to impose sanctions on any country carrying out significant defence and energy trade with sanctioned entities in North Korea, Iran and Russia. This is an act by the Congress, thus …

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Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1)

Context: United States has designated India as Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) country that will allow country to buy highly advanced and cutting-edge sensitive technologies from America. This coveted status brings India in par with US’s closest allies and partners such as NATO.   What is STA-1? STA-1 designation authorizes export, re-export and transfer (in-country) of …

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Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) – UPSC GS2

Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA): COMCASA is one of three foundational agreements that guide US high technology cooperation in defence sector with other countries. It was earlier called Communication and Information on Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) before name was changed to reflect its India-specific nature. Other two agreements are Logistics Exchange Memorandum of …

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