Washington, D.C.
8:30 to 9:00 am EST (breakfast) | 9:00 to 10:30 am EST (panel discussion)
Background
The India-U.S. strategic partnership has seen considerable progress over the past few years, including in two leader-level summits held in 2023. In a new report, experts from the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in New Delhi and the Hoover Institution, Stanford University analyze and assess different aspects of the relationship and chart a path forward.
Discussion Summary
Panelists discussed a newly-released report by the Hoover Institution and Observer Research Foundation (ORF) focused on U.S.-India strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The report focused on five areas: governance, trade, security, energy and technology. Of particular significance was the U.S.-India defense technology partnership, including recent announcements from the two leader-level summits in 2023, and ongoing economic and energy cooperation. Panelists described how people-to-people ties are a significant yet under-appreciated factor driving U.S.-India relations. The panelists highlighted the strategic implications of better mobility between the two countries’ workforces. Growing alignment in threat perceptions, frequent interactions and, widening habits of cooperation have enabled greater U.S.-India coordination in third regions too. Questions pertained to subjects such as the Indian Ocean region, BRICS and the Global South countries, and the Quad. Panelists described the Quad’s evolution and its significance for the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The discussion was concluded by the ORF President Dr. Samir Saran, who highlighted the broader importance of U.S.-India think tank engagements. He argued that collaboration on jet engine technology signals a “conscious decision” by India to double down on its strategic engagement with the U.S. This will also amplify other trends in India’s foreign policy including India’s deepening partnership with the West that will enable India to strengthen its capabilities and shape an international order conducive to its interests and values.
Welcome Ramarks
Sharon Stirling, Chief Operating Officer, ORF America
Panel Discussion
S. Paul Kapur, Visiting Fellow, Hoover Institution and Professor, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School
Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director, ORF America
Joseph Felter, Research Fellow, Hoover Institution and William J. Perry Fellow, CISAC, Stanford University
Medha Prasanna, Junior Fellow and Program Assistant, ORF America
Closing Remarks
Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation