Panel discussion on Defense and Security Dialogue between U.S.- India 

Speakers: Ms. Lisa Curtis, Amb. Latha Reddy, Dr. LT.Gen (Retd) Prakash Menon. 

Discussants: Dr. Happymon Jacob and Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy

Coordinators: Dr. Deepa Ollapally & Dr. Manoharan N. 

Date: 20 February 2024

Time: 6:30-8:15 pm (IST) - 8:00-9:45 am (EST)

Key Takeaways

The Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), Christ University, in collaboration with George Washington University, held the second virtual meeting of the project on “Partners in Progress: How Does the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Matter?” on 20 February 2024.

The purpose of the second virtual meeting featured a panel discussion titled “Defence and Security Dialogue between U.S. - India’." The primary objective of this session was to provide a comprehensive understanding on the importance of the US-India strategic partnership and its implications for defense and security cooperation between the two countries The meeting aims to explore the significance of the U.S.-India strategic partnership and facilitate cooperation on strategic affairs. The virtual meeting aimed to provide background information on dialogues and talks that lead to bilateral policies and decisions, with the goal of promoting cooperation on the ground. The meeting brought together distinguished panelists, experts and participants to discuss these issues and share insights through discussions, question, and suggestions that experts believe should be addressed.  

The session commenced with a warm welcome address from Dr. Manoharan N., Director, Centre for East Asian Studies (CEAS), Christ University, followed by Dr. Deepa Ollapally, Research Professor, GWU, chairing the panel discussion.

The first speaker, Ms. Lisa Curtis, a prominent figure in the U.S. foreign policy, discussed the U.S. perspectives concerning non-military security and military defence dialogue between the U.S. and India on drawing upon her extensive experiences during her tenure from 2017 to 2021, articulated key observations and reflection on the evolving dynamics of the bilateral partnership. Ms. Curtis highlighted the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the US-India defense relationship. She referenced significant events such as the Indus X summit and Milan naval exercises, highlighting the ongoing engagement between U.S.-India. Ms. Curtis emphasized key achievements during the Trump administration, including the US-India Maritime Security Dialogue and India's access to advanced drone technology. She focused on the importance of bipartisan cooperation in advancing defense agreements. The signing of foundational defense agreements, such as the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), marked significant milestones in enhancing bilateral defense ties. The speaker also discussed the establishment of the U.S.-India 2+2 dialogue and highlighted joint military exercises and initiatives aimed at bolstering defense cooperation, including the Defense Trade and Technology Initiative. She stressed on emerging technologies, like AI, cyber, and space, with both administrations prioritizing these areas in bilateral dialogues to foster innovation and address shared security challenges. Ms. Curtis mentioned how China's assertive activities, particularly along the India-China border, have strengthened defense cooperation between the U.S. and India. Ms. Curtis highlighted joint military exercises and shared concerns about Chinese maritime activities in the Indian Ocean region.

Ms. Curtis identified potential challenges, including differing perspectives on Russia and uncertainties regarding India's response in the event of a U.S.-China contingency. She acknowledged the complexities surrounding India's defense relationships and the need for ongoing dialogue to address these issues.

The second speaker, Ambassador Vijayalatha Reddy, provided the Indian perspective and discussed her views on the non-military aspects of security dialogues between the U.S. and India, as well as how India perceives these interactions.

Ambassador Reddy emphasized on the critical role of cyber security and artificial intelligence (AI) in the strategic and defense ties between the United States and India. She discussed her involvement as Deputy National Security Adviser of India from 2011 to 2013, during which one of her main focuses was developing an effective cyber security architecture and policy for India. This involved creating a framework within the government to address cyber security, initiating dialogues with the US government, and launching the first cyber security policy for India in 2013. The speaker highlighted the establishment of a joint working group between the government and the private sector. Amb.Reddy also discussed the progression of U.S.-India cyber security cooperation over the years, noting that annual dialogues began long before formal mentions in 2019, with significant consolidation and agreement on cooperation areas between 2011 and 2018. Amb. Reddy outlined various agreements and commitments between the U.S.- India, including the recognition of threats, the initiation of discussions on cyber defense issues and the emphasis on collaboration in science and technology, including AI. Amb. Reddy stressed on the importance of AI cooperation between India and the U.S., particularly in areas such as cyber security, data sharing and skill development. The speaker highlighted the need for common standards, access to computing resources and collaboration on AI research and innovation. Amb. Reddy also acknowledges potential differences in approaches to AI regulation but emphasizes the value of shared principles such as respect for democracy, fairness, transparency and inclusivity in fostering meaningful collaboration.

The final speaker, Dr. LT.Gen (Retd) Prakash Menon, provided a comprehensive overview of India's perspective on military defense dialogues with the United States. He commenced by addressing the paradox of military dialogues, where preparations for large-scale conflicts aim to deter them, while also seeking containment if conflicts arise, especially considering the presence of nuclear weapons. India is viewed by the United States as a significant player due to its size, military strength and strategic position in geopolitical confrontations. Its geographic location, protruding into the Indian Ocean, grants it strategic power. In terms of cooperation with the United States, the speaker discussed the need to strengthen India's military capabilities across various domains such as maritime, air, cyber and space. This cooperation involves enhancing self-sufficiency, improving industrial bases and technology transfers. However, challenges lie in translating intentions into concrete actions, navigating bureaucratic procedures and addressing legislative constraints. India seeks to reduce its historical dependence on Russian military equipment, but this transition will take time according to the speaker. Dr. Menon emphasized the importance of managing expectations regarding technology transfer from the United States, as it involves complex negotiations and compromises. Regarding defense budgets, Dr. Menon highlighted the necessity of increased spending to support India's military modernization efforts. He suggested exploring innovative solutions, such as reciprocal arrangements or alternative forms of compensation, to overcome budgetary limitations. Dr. Menon also mentioned that military exercises and cooperation between India and the United States serve as strategic communication tools, sending psychological messages to China and potentially influencing its decision-making process. China's limited network of allies makes it vulnerable to perceived threats from collaborative efforts between India and the United States.

Dr. Rajeev Ranjan Chaturvedy, as the discussant, touched upon the non-military security aspects from the Indian perspective. Dr. Chaturvedy emphasized the significance of security and defense diplomacy in advancing national interests and fostering strategic partnerships. He stressed on  the importance of the strategic partnership between India and the United States in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, as shared by all three speakers. Dr. Chaturvedy elaborated on various areas of cooperation highlighted by Ambassador Reddy, such as artificial intelligence, scientific consensus building and cyber defense, emphasizing the need for a common taxonomy and enhanced cyber security measures. He also discussed collaborative efforts in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism operations and capacity building initiatives, stressing the importance of synergy between the two countries to address bilateral and global terrorist threats.  Dr. Chaturvedy also touched upon the significance of defense cooperation, technology transfer, maritime security, freedom of navigation and the protection of critical infrastructure. He emphasized the need for streamlined export control regulations and mechanisms to strengthen collaborations in the security and defense sectors. Dr. Chaturvedy also discussed the importance of upholding international law, particularly in maritime domains and highlighted the growing exploitation of marine resources and the concept of maritime special planning. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships in the broader Indo-Pacific region, promoting infrastructure development, economic resilience and connectivity initiatives to foster sustainable growth and reinforce strategic interests. Dr. Chaturvedy concluded by addressing bureaucratic challenges, the blurring lines between geo-economics and geopolitics and the internal polarization within the United States, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to bridge internal divides and preserve the credibility of the U.S. on the world stage.

The second discussant, Dr. Happymon Jacob, delved into various aspects from the Indian perspective regarding the defense and military aspects of security dialogues, highlighted both opportunities and challenges. He emphasized the significant progress in the India-U.S. partnership, noting bipartisan support in the U.S. for strengthening ties with India and a growing consensus within the Indian strategic community regarding the importance of the partnership. Dr. Jacob acknowledged India's historical nonalignment stance and anti-American sentiments but stressed on the evolving closeness between the two countries, particularly with the U.S. now viewing India as key in the region, especially considering challenges posed by China. The discussant credited defense and security dialogues for steadily advancing the bilateral relationship, overcoming diplomatic and political challenges. Dr. Jacob also touched upon the evolving nature of shared interests and values between India and the U.S., emphasizing the importance of synergizing interests to shape norms and values collaboratively. Addressing challenges, Dr. Jacob raised concerns about the operationalization of defense relations during crises, particularly with China, and stressed the need for a deeper understanding of how defense agreements would function under such circumstances. He also highlighted bureaucratic complexities and the necessity for effective coordination to ensure the utility of defense partnerships during critical situations. Dr. Jacob discussed the significance of the Indo-U.S. nuclear dialogue and called for revisiting stalled conversations, such as nuclear technology sales, in light of changing energy dynamics. He also questioned the extent of private sector involvement in defense dialogues, given India's increasing reliance on the private sector for defense exports. Lastly, Dr. Jacob emphasized the importance of envisioning the future trajectory of the relationship over the next decade, suggesting the need for a strategic vision to guide bureaucratic dialogues effectively.

Questions posed by participants:

• What is the expectation in the US regarding any contingency over Taiwan or the South China Sea?

Ms. Curtis answered that US officials do not expect India's direct involvement in such scenarios. Instead, they may anticipate facilitation such as basing logistics or access to the Nicobar Islands, which could assist the U.S. in a contingency with China but would not involve India directly sending warships or becoming directly involved.

• How do you think the US should approach the challenges in India-U.S. defense ties concerning Russia, especially considering India's heavy dependence on Russian weapons?

Ms. Curtis highlighted the importance of protecting U.S. technology. She explained that while the U.S. wants India to have capabilities to counter China, it also needs to safeguard its own technology. She suggested that India's choice to remain dependent on Russia could impact the level of technology the U.S. could share with India in the future.

• The concerns surrounding India's defense procurement and the imperative for effective defense indigenization, what specific steps the military should take to lead genuine indigenization efforts? And how to envision the support of the U.S. in this endeavor, particularly in light of India's strategic partnerships and potential contingencies like those concerning Taiwan or the South China Sea?

Dr. Menon answered, by acknowledging the ongoing efforts, both domestically and in collaboration with the U.S., to address these challenges. And that there is a need for a holistic approach, as the issue involves an entire ecosystem that requires improvement. Menon highlighted the strategic imperative of self-sufficiency in defense and recognized that the failure to achieve it is a problem internal to India. He suggested that resolving this issue requires internal reforms, particularly in terms of regulations and procedures that hinder free competition and innovation. Moreover, Dr. Menon pointed out the prevailing mindset that prioritizes procedural adherence over outcomes, emphasizing the need for a shift in attitude, which necessitates political will and leadership. He emphasized that the solution requires addressing various aspects, including education, institutional reforms, cooperation agreements and technology transfer.

• Dr. Ollapally requested the three speakers to share insights from their own experiences and provide an analysis of the factors contributing to the success of the U.S-India partnership/dialogues. 

Ms. Curtis highlighted the significance of the 2+2 dialogues between the U.S. and India, particularly her participation in the September 2018 and December 2019 sessions. She emphasized that these dialogues effectively brought together military and strategic foreign policy perspectives, fostering confidence and trust between the two nations.

Ms. Curtis stressed on the importance of such dialogues in facilitating difficult initiatives, such as the signing of foundational defense agreements and the lifting of export control restrictions. She emphasized that while tangible outcomes are crucial, regular elevated dialogues enable candid discussions on each country's perspective and global events.

Ms. Curtis also mentioned her involvement in a quad dialogue, specifically with Deputy National Security Advisers, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. These dialogues provided a platform for sharing information and collaboration amidst global crises, such as border tensions and access to medical supplies.

Ambassador Vijayalatha Reddy highlighted the presence of significant goodwill in the bilateral relations, particularly evident in the all-of-government cyber dialogues initiated. She emphasized the mutual recognition of shared values and threat perceptions, which facilitated advancements towards a safer cyber environment. Amb Reddy also noted that this mutual trust and alignment of values have also paved the way for cooperation on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

For Dr. Prakash Menon, the significance of the foundational agreements signed between the U.S. and India, attributing their success to several factors. He pointed out the initial assistance provided by the Indian strategic community and the armed services. However, he emphasized that political push played a crucial role in overcoming resistance and ensuring the agreements realization. Dr. Menon underscored that while the process may not have been entirely smooth, it eventually culminated in success due to the persistence and determination driven by political backing.

Suggestions and Recommendations by Experts

• The three key points to enhance defense cooperation and readiness, particularly in the face of rapidly evolving threats

1. Suggestion to improve execution efficiency in defense operations as the pace at which threats, particularly from China, are evolving, outstripping our current execution timelines. 

2.  The need to address trust issues and work towards seamless integration for effective high-end combat capabilities.

3. Suggestion to move towards a common objective, such as containing China and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

The cooperation circle initiative can explore and emphasize novel and unexplored connections between the U.S. and India.

• Suggestions to embrace democratic values, recognize the significance of democratic processes, reinforce alliances based on shared principles and promote a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of strategic partnerships. Integrating these recommendations into foreign policy and diplomatic strategies can contribute to fostering stronger, more resilient international relations.