U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue

Abstract

Objective: The risk of nuclear war in South Asia is among the highest in the world. India perceives its security to be undercut by U.S. support to Pakistan, lack of official recognition of India’s nuclear status, and acceptance of Chinese hegemony in the Indian Ocean. Although vast improvements have been made in the U.S.-Indian relationship since the Cold War, the areas of shared interests and values are not enough to minimize the nuclear and conventional dangers in the new environment. Recent changes to the Indian government, however, provide new opportunities for engagement and the potential for an improved U.S.-Indian relationship