India-US relations have returned to a steadier path after bouts of friction, with former US Ambassador to India Kenneth “Ken” Juster pointing to expanding cooperation in technology, defence, energy and healthcare as the main ballast in one of Washington’s most consequential partnerships.
Juster, who served in New Delhi from 2017 to 2021 during President Donald Trump’s first term, said the relationship had shown resilience despite disagreements over tariffs, market access, energy purchases and strategic autonomy. His assessment comes as both governments try to give shape to a broader trade understanding while keeping security and technology ties insulated from periodic political pressure.
The former envoy said a bilateral trade agreement would lift the partnership to a new level if negotiators can settle remaining differences. Trade has long been a difficult part of the relationship, with Washington pressing for wider access to agriculture, medical devices, digital services and manufactured goods, while New Delhi has sought more predictable tariff treatment, easier movement for skilled professionals and protection for sensitive domestic sectors.
The two sides have set an ambitious target of $500 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030. Goods trade remains heavily weighted in New Delhi’s favour, with exports to the US supported by pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles, electronics and gems and jewellery. US exports have been led by energy products, aircraft, machinery, defence equipment, technology goods and agricultural commodities. Negotiators have been working on a phased arrangement that could ease tariff tensions before a wider pact is attempted.
Juster described the partnership as durable because it rests on converging interests rather than a single administration’s policy preference. Defence cooperation has deepened over two decades through foundational agreements, joint exercises, maritime coordination and growing interoperability. The US has emerged as a major defence supplier, while both governments are also exploring co-production and co-development in areas such as jet engines, armoured platforms, drones, cyber security and space-based capabilities.
Technology has become the most strategically important pillar. Cooperation now spans semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, critical minerals, secure telecommunications and advanced manufacturing. The aim is to reduce dependence on concentrated supply chains while giving businesses in both countries a larger role in trusted technology ecosystems. The challenge is to balance export controls, data rules and national security screening with the need for faster commercial collaboration.
Energy has also become a central theme. The US is one of the world’s largest suppliers of oil and liquefied natural gas, while New Delhi has sought diversified sources to manage price volatility and supply shocks. The energy relationship now includes hydrocarbons, civil nuclear discussions, battery storage, renewable energy, green hydrogen and grid modernisation. Differences over purchases from Russia have created pressure, but both sides have avoided allowing the issue to derail the wider relationship.
Healthcare cooperation gained prominence during the pandemic and has continued through pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical research, hospital systems and digital health. New Delhi’s strength in generic medicines and vaccines complements US capacity in biotechnology, advanced research and high-value medical innovation. Juster pointed to this sector as an example of practical collaboration that directly affects citizens in both countries.
Juster also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to improve the business climate, including infrastructure expansion, digital public platforms, tax reforms and manufacturing incentives. Foreign companies still flag concerns over regulation, contract enforcement, customs procedures and policy predictability, but investors see a large consumer market, a growing middle class and a strategic push to make the country a bigger manufacturing base.
The former envoy recalled the “Namaste Trump” event in Ahmedabad in February 2020 as one of the defining moments of Trump’s first term diplomacy with Modi. The rally at the Motera stadium drew a massive crowd and projected the relationship as a people-driven partnership, reinforced by the diaspora, business ties, education links and defence alignment. Juster said Trump’s India visit stood out among his bilateral tours because it combined political symbolism with strategic messaging.
