Defense cooperation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies are set to define the next phase of India-U.S. relations, according to a senior policy expert.
WASHINGTON, DC – The future of India-United States relations is poised to be anchored in defense cooperation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. This perspective comes from Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America and son of India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He emphasized that despite ongoing political and trade challenges, both nations are keen to maintain momentum in strategic sectors.
Jaishankar noted that while high-level political engagement has encountered some constraints, collaboration in defense, technology, and energy continues to progress. This ongoing cooperation serves as a foundation for stabilizing bilateral ties as they look ahead to 2026. He pointed out that there has been some stabilization in the relationship, highlighting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former President Donald Trump engaged in discussions at least four times between mid-September and the end of the year.
Even during periods of political strain, practical cooperation has persisted. Jaishankar described defense as one of the most resilient pillars of the India-U.S. partnership. Military-to-military engagement has expanded significantly, encompassing joint exercises involving all three branches of the military, collaborative training programs, and ongoing arms sales. However, he acknowledged that the historical challenge has been progressing toward joint co-production and development.
According to Jaishankar, the most promising opportunities for collaboration now lie in advanced and niche capabilities rather than traditional legacy platforms. He specifically identified cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous underwater systems and counter-drone capabilities as key areas of interest. In these domains, India has specific operational requirements, while the United States is at the forefront of technological advancements. Jaishankar cautioned that the success of these initiatives will heavily depend on private-sector engagement rather than solely on government-to-government agreements.
Artificial intelligence is another critical area of growing engagement between the two nations, although their expectations do not yet fully align. India is focused on the rapid deployment of AI applications for public benefit and commercial viability. In contrast, the United States prioritizes maintaining its leadership in developing cutting-edge AI technologies. Despite these differing objectives, major technology firms such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI have made significant investments in India, reflecting their confidence in the country’s digital ecosystem.
Regarding the Quad, Jaishankar noted that while political-level momentum has lagged, with leaders’ summits being repeatedly deferred, working-level engagement remains active. This includes meetings focused on counter-terrorism and maritime exercises. Looking ahead, he indicated that progress on trade and tariffs will be crucial for unlocking higher-level political engagement. Jaishankar expressed cautious optimism that some resolution could emerge later in 2026, potentially coinciding with the U.S. hosting the G20 summit.
As the India-U.S. partnership evolves, the focus on defense and technology underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges and advancing mutual interests.
According to IANS, the emphasis on these strategic sectors indicates a commitment to strengthening ties despite the complexities of international relations.