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ABSTRACT
The strategic partnership between the United States US and India is to be anticipated as one of the most important political arrangements in the region. It was inaugurated during the Bush Administration, and became more resilient after the 9/11 incident. Subsequently, once Obama came into power, the focus on India was elevated, central to his administration, and formulated towards unprecedent levels. New Delhi sees this partnership as extremely beneficial opportunity hence goes to some extremes to ensure steps are engineered to realize this coalition. Washington views this as national interest and in dire need of a strategic partner while New Delhi needs an ally that can stimulate and assist in the development of the country. At the same time, both countries are compelled to pursue a capable ally to restrain the possible rise of China's power in the region. As its strategic ally, the US will not only be able to exploit Indian military bases and logistical support, but also to persuade and manipulate other countries in the Asia-Pacific region to its advantage. To India, forging such a strategic relationship with the US will give New Delhi the technological advantages and collaborations it requires for its economic development. Together as a strategic partners, both the US and India will learn to facilitate, expand their economies and strategic influence in the region. This paper examines the significance of this strategic partnership and the benefits that would cascade. Incorporated in the analysis are the possible courses of action to be contemplated to balance China's rising power. The paper examines the implications of the strategic partnership for Asian security, and concludes that this enhanced bilateral relationship has a positive impact on the regional balance of power in Asia which is deemed important to both the US and India.
Keywords: US-India strategic partnership, the rise of China, balance of power, post-cold war, Asian security
INTRODUCTION
The end of the Cold War served decisive ramifications in the security architecture of the world at large. The disintegration of the Soviet bloc countries paved the way for more democratization of national governance and international relations. Scholars argue that the fall of the Soviet Union were basically attributed to political and economic factors that gave rise to a new world...