(USA) Relations · Part 2

by internal diversity or external factors. India’s demographic asset with IT (Information Technology) capabilities and English speaking abilities was a thriving ground for feeding the global talent force for the age of the internet. At the turn of the millennium, it was clear that the Asian giants - China and India were out of the deep slumber, marking the shift of power from west to east. With the change of attitude between Indian and American leadership during the Rao-Clinton period, there was the birth of a new strategic partnership. Vajpayee Narasimha Rao Bill Clinton The position taken by the US, not to back Pakistan during the Kargil war, for violating the LoC (Line of Control) was welcomed in India. In , Clinton’s visit to India was seen as the emergence of a new era in India-USA relations. Vajpayee befittingly referred to India as a neighbour and partner of the United States on the digital map. Further, science and technology, environmental sustainability, climate change, education, HIV, tsunami relief etc., became areas of collaboration. Subsequently, despite minor issues, US-India ties during the Bush administration continued on the same path of progress, lending the term ‘natural allies’ more meaning. The relations further matured into co-operation on defence, civil nuclear energy and enhanced people to people ties during the Obama administration. TIMELINE: India-USA Relations S. No Year Important Events Prime Minister Nehru Visits USA President Carter Visits India Economic Reforms May , India Tests Nuclear Devices, USA imposes economic sanctions Clinton Trip Signals Warming Ties USA Lifts India Sanctions Energy Security Dialogue USA, India Sign New Defense Framework Landmark Civil Nuclear Deal Economic and Financial Partnership USA, India Hold First Strategic Dialogue Obama Backs India Bid for UN Security Council USA, India Ink Cybersecurity Memorandum Obama's Second India Visit Elevates Ties Obama Recognizes India as Major Defense Partner Trump Ends India’s Special Trade Status The