From Estrangement to Engagement: The Transformation of Indo-US Security Relations under President Bill Clinton
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The end of the Cold War opened a new chapter in global politics and set the stage for India and the United States to rethink their relationship. This study traces how, under President Bill Clinton (1993–2001), the two countries moved from mutual suspicion to a more practical and diverse partnership. It focuses on key moments like India’s 1998 nuclear tests, the resulting US sanctions, and the diplomatic efforts that followed. The research also highlights growing cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, and regional security, especially as South Asia’s strategic importance grew. The 1999 Kargil conflict stands out as a turning point, with US involvement helping the two countries find more common ground. While tough issues—like nuclear policy, Kashmir, and differences over Pakistan—remained, the Clinton years saw the start of a more open and constructive Indo-US relationship. This period laid the groundwork for the stronger partnership the two nations would build in the years to come.
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