THE INDO–US STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF SOUTH ASIAN SECURITY: EMERGING POWER ALIGNMENTS AND REGIONAL STABILITY

Abstract

The aim of the present paper to study the impact of Indo-US strategic partnership in South Asian security, balance of power and regional stability. The discussion revolved around defence collaboration, maritime security, and tech cooperation, along with China and Pakistan's strategic approaches. The researchers employed a qualitative research design using secondary data which was acquired through academic journal articles, books, policy documents, and official documents from institutions. Thematic analysis was applied to a purposive sample of the 30 sources of documentary evidence selected for the analysis. Findings indicate approval of Indo – US cooperative efforts because they – created opportunities for military cooperation of both countries, deepened India’s strategic importance in the Indo – Pacific, and enhanced India’s defence capabilities. The China–Pakistan partnership is also very important in regional security and has sparked both official and unofficial fears regarding strategic rivalry. This is true that increased defence cooperation contributes to strengthening the overall security environment, this can also exacerbate the regional security dilemma as other regional states see this development as threat. India's drive for its own right to strategic autonomy restricts the extent of cooperation with the US, pointing towards a pathway of flexible strategic cooperation and not outright military alliances. The changing dynamics of security ties in the region are therefore a balance between the deterrence, strategic autonomy and issues of regional power competition. The findings of the study revealed that Indo–US relationship has brought both opportunities and challenges for the security of South Asia. Balanced strategic rivalry and diplomacy strategic rivalry crisis management confidence building measures and regional deliberations for its role in favour of securing long-term regional peace and stability.