ISAS South Asia Scan

The India-United States (US) relationship has rapidly deepened in the 21st century, driven by economic, political, and notably, defence ties. This South Asia Scan analyses India’s strategic rationale for closer defence alignment with the US, covering policy coordination, military exercises, and arms sales. India’s evolving foreign policy now prioritises deterring Chinese aggression along the Himalayan frontier and countering China’s influence in the Indian Ocean. This shift has led to a more robust and enduring India-US defence partnership, though challenges and risks remain.