Is U.S.-India cooperation becoming the strongest barrier against China?

Amid global geopolitical shifts, the potential for strengthening U.S.-India relations is emerging as a critical factor in shaping the new world order.

If former U.S. President Donald Trump wins the 2024 election, he could secure huge strategic gains by deepening cooperation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, experts say. This alliance could be a turning point in the global balance of power, especially in the face of China's growing influence.

Strengthening the U.S.-India partnership: A unique strategic opportunity

India and the United States have historically strong ties, but the previous Trump administration pushed this partnership to new levels through major defense and trade agreements.

Trump's return to the White House could mean a resumption of policies aimed at enhancing military and economic cooperation, providing a golden opportunity to strengthen US influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Facing China: A common impetus for cooperation

As tensions escalate between Washington and Beijing, the U.S.-India alliance could provide a strong front to counter the challenges posed by China, whether through its economic influence or its military moves in the South China Sea. India, which faces frequent border disputes with China, sees close cooperation with the U.S. as a way to strengthen its defense capabilities and bolster its national security.

Economic dimension: Promoting supply chains and investments

India is playing a key role in reshaping global supply chains, especially as global companies look to reduce their reliance on China. A future Trump administration could expand U.S. investments in India, boosting the Indian economy and giving U.S. companies a strategic alternative to Chinese markets.

Technology and Defense Cooperation

U.S.-India cooperation is expected to include areas such as artificial intelligence, defense technology, and renewable energy. Strengthening cooperation in these sectors could give the two countries a competitive advantage in the face of Chinese innovations, and pave the way for strengthening India's cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.

Potential Challenges for the Coalition

Despite the promising opportunities, this alliance faces some obstacles, such as disagreements over trade policies, India's autonomy in making foreign decisions, and the need to maintain a balance in its relations with Russia. However, the common interests between the two countries may lead them to overcome these challenges and build a more cohesive partnership.

Conclusion: A rare opportunity to forge a strong global alliance

If he wins the presidency, Donald Trump has a golden opportunity to forge a long-term strategic partnership with India, an alliance that could shift the global balance of power, weaken Chinese influence, and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Article byWilliam F. Wexler He is Senior Director of Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council, where he leads the Council's work in the Middle East and North Africa and with U.S. and transatlantic partners.

Wexler previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Counterterrorism in the U.S. government, where his work focused on counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, information operations, and other sensitive operations.