US-INDIA RELATIONS UNDER THE JOE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IN THE INDO-PACIFIC: IMPLICATIONS FOR CHINA

Abstract

The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a critical arena for global geopolitics, with the U.S.-India strategic partnership playing a pivotal role in countering China's growing influence. Under the Biden administration, U.S.-India relations have strengthened through defense agreements, such as BECA and COMCASA, and multilateral initiatives like the Quad. These collaborations aim to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, emphasizing maritime security, technological advancement, and economic resilience. Meanwhile, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and assertive policies in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean have faced growing resistance from this partnership. The evolving dynamics between the U.S., India, and China reflect a broader contest over regional dominance, supply chain resilience, and the technological race. China’s responses include military expansions, diplomatic maneuvers, and economic initiatives like the AIIB and RCEP. The trilateral interplay profoundly influences the strategic and economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific, with implications for global trade and security. This article delves into the complexities of U.S.-India relations under Biden, their impact on China’s strategic ambitions, and the broader implications for the geopolitical order.

Research Methodology

The article applies a comprehensive framework based on international relations theories to analyze U.S.-India relations in the Indo-Pacific under the Biden administration. Realism informs the examination of power dynamics, particularly in countering China’s assertiveness and regional hegemony. Liberalism explores the collaborative efforts through economic initiatives, technological partnerships, and multilateral platforms like the Quad. Constructivism sheds light on how shared democratic values and historical tensions shape the strategic narratives of the U.S.-India partnership and its implications for China. The research employs qualitative methods, relying on secondary sources such as policy documents, academic articles, and expert analyses. Thematic analysis organizes the discourse into military, economic, and technological dimensions, while comparative case studies highlight strategic alignments and rivalries. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a nuanced understanding of the evolving geopolitical dynamics.