The Joint Declaration Between the United States and India: A Strategic Step Toward the Future

Translated by Federico Emanuele

The joint declaration between the United States and India is more than just a diplomatic document—it is a confirmation of a strategic partnership that continues to strengthen in an increasingly multipolar world. With a focus on security, foreign trade, and innovation, Washington and New Delhi outline a shared vision for the 21st century, consolidating India as an indispensable player on the global chessboard and highlighting its central role in U.S. foreign policy, which aims to counter the influence of China and Russia. Additionally, the discussions covered a broad spectrum of topics, reinforcing the pivot to Asia strategy.

Security

India and the United States have formalized their growing security cooperation, particularly regarding the spread of groups promoting anti-Indian ideologies and the fight against terrorism. A concrete step in this direction is the agreement for the extradition of the alleged perpetrator of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, ensuring that Indian justice can handle the case. The Trump administration reaffirmed the necessity of an uncompromising joint fight against all forms of extremism, with a particular focus on groups linked to separatist and terrorist dynamics, especially those advocating radical Islamist theories.

Defense

Over the past two decades, India-U.S. defense relations have been based on the 2005 Defence Framework Agreement and the subsequent 2015 agreement, which strengthened strategic discussions between the armed forces of both nations. The new pact, the U.S.-India Compact for the 21st Century, structurally consolidates and integrates security ties, providing for mutual support in military deployments in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the new agreement, India will integrate U.S.-origin defense equipment, including:

• C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, and P-8I Poseidon aircraft;
• CH-47F Chinook, MH-60R Seahawks, and AH-64E Apache helicopters;
• Harpoon anti-ship missiles and M777 howitzers;
• MQ-9B drones and six additional P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to enhance surveillance in the Indian Ocean.

As part of the U.S.-India roadmap, leaders have announced the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) initiative, welcoming a partnership between Anduril Industries and Mahindra Group to develop and co-produce advanced unmanned aerial and maritime systems (UAS) based on artificial intelligence to strengthen regional security. Furthermore, the collaboration between L3 Harris and Bharat Electronics marks another significant step forward in the technological integration between the two nations.

Economy

India has reconfigured its economic policy toward the United States, initiating deep commercial and financial integration. The new strategic trade goal, Mission 500, aims to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 through the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers and the strengthening of supply chains. A bilateral trade agreement is expected by fall 2025, designed to optimize synergies in strategic sectors.

One of the pillars of economic cooperation is the joint development of exploration, enrichment, processing, and recycling of critical minerals. To enhance the security of strategic supplies, the leaders announced the Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative, a bilateral program for the recovery and processing of essential resources such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, with particular attention to materials sourced from heavy industries such as aluminum, coal mining, and the oil sector.

The reduction of tariffs on high-value-added U.S. goods and the expanded access to the U.S. market for Indian exports highlight an increasing economic alignment. However, India’s growing dependence on the U.S. dollar exposes it to currency fluctuations and the risk of imported inflation, potentially affecting macroeconomic stability and industrial competitiveness.

India must now balance economic liberalization with strategic protection measures, avoiding structural imbalances in its current account and ensuring sufficient production independence. The success of this new economic architecture will depend on Delhi’s ability to integrate into the global economy without compromising its financial and industrial sovereignty.

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