U.S.-India Bilateral Agreements and 'Global Partnership' (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised March 10, 2006 |
| Report Number |
RL33072 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
K. Alan Kronstadt, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
India is enjoying rapidly growing diplomatic and economic clout on the world stage, and the
course
of its rise (along with that of China) is identified as one of the most important variables in 21st
century international relations. In recognition of these developments, U.S. policy makers have
sought to expand and deepen U.S. links with India. On July 18, 2005, President George W. Bush
and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh issued a Joint Statement resolving to establish a
"global
partnership" between the United States and India through increased cooperation on numerous
economic, security, and global issues, including "full civilian nuclear energy
cooperation." Such
cooperation would require changes in both U.S. law and international guidelines; the Bush
Administration may present to Congress related and required legislative proposals in 2006. On June
28, 2005, the United States and India signed a ten-year defense framework agreement that calls for
expanding bilateral cooperation in a number of security-related areas. U.S.-India bilateral
agreements in 2005 represent a new set of landmarks in rapidly warming ties between the
world's
two most populous democracies. A policy of assisting India's rise as a major power has
significant
implications for U.S. interests in Asia and beyond. The status of U.S. relations with China and
Pakistan, especially, is likely to be affected by increased U.S.-India strategic cooperation. Many
observers view U.S. moves as part of an effort to "counterbalance" the rise of China
as a major
power.
Following major U.S.-India agreements, Congress held four relevant hearings during autumn
2005. Two of these hearings focused specifically on the most controversial aspect of the July 2005
Joint Statement: proposed civilian nuclear cooperation. Congressional approval of increasingly
warm U.S.-India relations appears to be widespread. However, some Members also have expressed
concerns about the potential damage to international nonproliferation regimes that could result from
changes in U.S. export laws and international guidelines. Senior Members also have voiced
concerns about India's relations with Iran and the possibility that New Delhi's
policies toward
Tehran's controversial nuclear program may not be congruent with those of Washington.
More
broadly, congressional oversight of U.S. foreign relations in Asia likely will include consideration
of the potential implications of increased U.S. cooperation with India in functional areas such as
arms sales and high-technology trade. With rapid increases in Indian and Chinese influence on the
world stage, many in Congress will seek to determine how and to what extent a U.S.-India
"global
partnership" will best serve U.S. interests.
This report reviews the major provisions of U.S.-India bilateral agreements, including the status
of issues addressed in the recently completed Next Step in Strategic Partnership initiative, security
relations, and economic relations. The report reviews arguments made in favor of and in opposition
to increased bilateral cooperation in each major issue-area and includes Indian perspectives.
Regional issues involving China, Pakistan, and Iran also are discussed. The report will be updated
as warranted by events. See also CRS Issue Brief IB93097, India-U.S. Relations , and CRS Report RL33016 , U.S. Nuclear Cooperation With India .
