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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MODERN MANAGEMENT, APPLIED SCIENCE & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJEMMASSS) [ Vol. 8 | No. 1 (III) Special Issue | January - March, 2026 ]

India and the United States: The Changing Nature of the Strategic Partnership

Dr. Vinod Malik

The India-United States strategic partnership represents one of the most significant geopolitical developments of the 21st century. Transitioning from Cold War-era suspicion to a comprehensive global alliance, the bilateral relationship has undergone profound transformations driven by shared democratic values, aligned strategic interests, and emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. This paper examines the evolving nature of India-US strategic partnership, analyzing its historical trajectory, contemporary dimensions, and future trajectory. The study emphasizes the role of defense cooperation, technological collaboration, the QUAD framework, and the implications of the U.S.-India COMPACT initiative launched in February 2025. The research demonstrates that while the partnership remains dynamic and deepening, it continues to navigate challenges related to trade asymmetries, technological transfer restrictions, and managing strategic autonomy while balancing great power competition.

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