The year 2025 witnessed thaw in Indo-US relations. On 17th September, US President Donald John Trump called Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to convey birthday greetings. This gesture came after weeks of tensions over trade tariffs. Both leaders expressed renewed commitment to strengthen the Comprehensive and Global Partnership. The call also brought into light joint support for peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict, following Trump’s meetings with Russian and Ukrainian presidents.
Early Indo-US Relations
The Indo-US relationship began in 1794 when George Washington appointed Benjamin Joy as Consul to Calcutta. However, British colonial authorities rejected this move. A unique historical link is the US national anthem, penned aboard the Indian teak-built British warship HMS Minden in 1814. Early trade included American ice exports to Calcutta in the 1830s, a novelty that transformed social and business life in the city.
Trade and Cultural Exchanges
American ice, introduced by Frederic Tudor’s Tudor Ice Company, became a prized commodity in Calcutta. The arrival of ice in 1833 created a social sensation, with banquets featuring chilled wines and delicacies. This trade symbolised the beginning of vibrant commercial and cultural exchanges. Letters and goods regularly travelled between Boston and Calcutta, linking the two societies.
Freedom Movements and Mutual Influence
Both India and the United States gained independence through revolutions but followed different paths. India’s was a peaceful, non-violent movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s philosophy influenced American leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama. The American public supported India’s freedom struggle, encouraging goodwill between the nations.
Post-Independence Diplomatic Relations
Jawaharlal Nehru’s 1949 visit to the US marked a new chapter. President Harry S Truman called it a voyage of discovery. Nehru admired Abraham Lincoln, symbolising democratic values shared by both countries. Lincoln’s legacy was honoured by Nehru, who kept a brass mould of Lincoln’s hand in his study. These gestures reflected deep ideological ties.
Indo-US Relations During the Kennedy Era
Relations peaked during John F. Kennedy’s presidency. Nehru praised Kennedy’s vision of global cooperation and independence. Both leaders admired poet Robert Frost, who recited at Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961. This period cemented the foundation for close diplomatic, cultural, and strategic ties.
Recent Developments and Strategic Cooperation
The 2025 phone call between Trump and Modi signals renewed efforts to overcome recent trade disputes. Both leaders emphasised peace in Ukraine and deepening bilateral cooperation. The dialogue reflects the enduring nature of Indo-US relations, built on centuries of interaction, shared democratic ideals, and mutual strategic interests.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the significance of cultural exchanges in strengthening diplomatic relations between India and the United States since the 19th century.
- Critically analyse the impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy on American civil rights movements with suitable examples.
- Estimate the role of early trade commodities like ice in shaping Indo-American economic ties and how such ties influence contemporary trade relations.
- What is the Comprehensive and Global Partnership between India and the United States? How does it contribute to regional stability and peace efforts such as the Ukraine conflict?
