DEVELOPMENTS IN INDIA–U.S. RELATIONS IN 2000–2008

Анотація

The purpose of this article is to cover the developments in India-U.S. relations in 2000–2008, from normalization to conclusion of the Civil Nuclear Agreement, and to reveal the factors that influenced this process. This is an empirical study based on the content analysis of historical sources, comparative and cause-and-effect analyses. India-U.S. relations are examined at the bilateral level, and in the regional context. In 2000, after a visit by President Clinton, India and the U.S. normalized relations after the crisis, caused by India’s nuclear bomb test in May 1998. The main concern of the United States at that time was to strengthen the international nuclear nonproliferation system. India sought the lifting of U.S. sanctions, which was crucial for its economic development in the new international environment. In the security field, two states were brought closer by the issue of terrorism. The alleged Pakistan’s role in supporting it raised doubts about its reliability as the U.S.’ major regional partner. The new stage in the bilateral relations was the result of the G. W. Bush administration’s reassessment of India’s potential as a regional and global partner of the United States. The cooperation in the global war on terrorism after September 11, 2001 contributed to strengthening political relations and developing military-to-military ties. These factors laid the ground for the emergence of goals to establish a strategic partnership between India and the United States. Additionally, both nations shared the common interest in maintaining the regional balance of power in the context of China’s rapid military modernization. The forging of a strategic partnership provided the basis for conclusion of the Civil Nuclear Agreement, which was the most tangible result of India’s rapprochement with the United States. Despite the succession of India’s governments that represented different political parties and coalitions, the policy of cooperation with the United States, and reaching the Civil Nuclear Agreement had not changed.

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