India’s Relations with Major World Powers: Strategic Partnerships, Trade & Defence | SSB Facts

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.


🇮🇳

🇺🇸 India–United States

  • Relationship status: Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
  • Bilateral trade (goods & services): ~USD 190–200 billion.
  • US is one of India’s largest trading partners.
  • Defence cooperation: Over USD 20 billion worth of defence deals since 2008.
  • Foundational defence agreements signed: LEMOA, COMCASA, BECA.
  • Cooperation areas: Defence, Indo-Pacific security, semiconductors, AI, clean energy, space, education.
  • Strategic alignment through QUAD (India, US, Japan, Australia).


🇨🇳 India–China

  • Nature of relationship: Complex & competitive.
  • Bilateral trade: ~USD 115–120 billion, heavily tilted in China’s favour.
  • Major issue: Border dispute (LAC) since 2020 Galwan clash.
  • Diplomatic and military disengagement talks ongoing.
  • India restricts Chinese investments and apps citing national security.
  • Strategic rivalry in Indo-Pacific and South Asia.


🇷🇺 India–Russia

  • Relationship status: Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
  • Defence dependence: ~60–65% of India’s legacy defence equipment is Russian-origin.
  • Major systems: S-400 air defence, nuclear submarines, fighter jets.
  • Russia remains a key energy supplier (discounted crude oil).
  • Trade crossed USD 60 billion after 2022 due to energy imports.
  • India balances ties despite Russia-Ukraine conflict (strategic autonomy).


🇪🇺 India–European Union

  • EU is India’s largest trading partner in goods.
  • India-EU trade: ~USD 120 billion.
  • Negotiations ongoing for India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • Cooperation in climate action, digital regulation, clean energy, mobility.
  • Strong relations with France and Germany within EU.


🇫🇷 India–France

  • Relationship: Strategic Partnership (since 1998).
  • Defence cooperation: Rafale jets, submarines, joint exercises.
  • France supports India’s strategic autonomy.
  • Cooperation in nuclear energy, space, Indo-Pacific security.
  • One of India’s most reliable defence partners.


🇬🇧 India–United Kingdom

  • Historical ties; relationship redefined post-Brexit.
  • India-UK trade: ~USD 20 billion.
  • Negotiating a Comprehensive FTA.
  • Large Indian diaspora: ~1.8 million people of Indian origin.
  • Cooperation in education, finance, technology, defence.


🇯🇵 India–Japan

  • Relationship: Special Strategic & Global Partnership.
  • Major investor in Indian infrastructure (DMIC, bullet train).
  • Japan among India’s top FDI sources.
  • Strong cooperation in Indo-Pacific, QUAD framework.
  • Shared concerns over China’s assertiveness.


🇦🇺 India–Australia

  • Relationship upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
  • Key partner in QUAD.
  • Cooperation in critical minerals, defence, education, clean energy.
  • Strong people-to-people ties due to Indian students & diaspora.


🇮🇱 India–Israel

  • Strategic partner in defence, intelligence, agriculture, cyber security.
  • Israel among India’s top defence technology suppliers.
  • Cooperation in water management and innovation.
  • Strong security cooperation without formal alliance.


🇮🇷 India–Iran

  • Important for energy security and regional connectivity.
  • Strategic interest in Chabahar Port (access to Afghanistan & Central Asia).
  • Relations affected by US sanctions but maintained diplomatically.


🇸🇦🇦🇪 India–Gulf Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE)

  • UAE is India’s top trade partner (goods).
  • Indian diaspora in Gulf: ~9 million.
  • Cooperation in energy, remittances, infrastructure, counter-terrorism.
  • UAE signed CEPA with India (free trade agreement).


🌏 India–ASEAN

  • Trade: ~USD 130 billion.
  • ASEAN central to India’s Act East Policy.
  • Cooperation in maritime security, connectivity, trade.
  • Strategic importance in Indo-Pacific balance.


🌍 India–Africa

  • Africa is a major partner for energy, minerals, pharmaceuticals.
  • India–Africa trade: ~USD 90 billion.
  • Development partnership via capacity building, lines of credit.
  • Historical goodwill and South-South cooperation.

Sachin Jangir
Recommended for IMA 160 (AIR 140) & NDA 152 (AIR 128).

OUR COURSES View More