US-India Partnership Key to Indo-Pacific Stability, Says Expert at Defence Dialogue
New Delhi, [Date] — Speaking at the Indian Army’s Chanakya Defence Dialogues in New Delhi, Lisa Curtis, Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for New American Security and former White House official, underscored the importance of the partnership between the United States and India in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Curtis highlighted the increasing momentum of the US-India collaboration, particularly through recent initiatives such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue and a significant USD 4 billion deal for India to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones. She characterized these developments as indicative of the deepening defense and security ties between the two nations.
"The US-India partnership is also vital for preserving peace and stability in the broader Indo-Pacific region," Curtis stated. "The iCET dialogue has led to a milestone agreement in June 2023 for the US and India to co-produce jet engine technology. Additionally, the completion of the USD 4 billion deal for Predator drones is a noteworthy advancement in our bilateral defense cooperation."
Curtis also announced that an upcoming Indian Ocean Dialogue is expected to further strengthen the partnership between the US and India. Despite historical challenges in the relationship, she expressed optimism about its trajectory. "The fact that we have weathered these challenges and maintained momentum speaks volumes about both countries’ commitment to the partnership," she noted.
In addressing regional tensions, Curtis commended the recent agreement between India and China regarding regular patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, which she deemed a "testament to India’s patience." She remarked, "It took four and a half years to get to this point, but this is positive news for India-China relations and may herald a new phase of greater cooperation in the region, which is beneficial for all."
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on October 21 that the two countries have come to an agreement regarding patrolling arrangements along the LAC, after years of heightened tensions that began in 2020 due to military confrontations in the region.
As global interest in the Indo-Pacific grows, the developments in US-India relations will be closely monitored, as they hold significant implications for regional security and stability.
