India-US defence cooperation: Assessing strategic imperatives

Abstract

Over the last decade or so, especially during much of Barack Obama’s presidential tenure, the defence sector has become the focus area of cooperation between India and the US. India’s engagement with the US in the area of defence is riding on a new-found realism that drives both countries’ strategic aspirations. This article attempts to recount important developments between India and the US in the defence sector in the last decade, primarily focussing on the developments during the Obama administration, and analyse their strategic implications for both the countries. The article ends with a brief assessment of transition under Trump presidency.