India and the United States are redefining their bilateral relationship against a backdrop of evolving global dynamics. Collaborations are intensifying in areas like deep technology, smart cities, space tech, aerospace, maritime security, and global supply chains. However, divergent national interests and unexplored sectors present challenges to this growing partnership.
Enhancing Health Collaboration
Health initiatives stand out as a critical area for India-US cooperation. India currently supplies about 40 percent of the generic formulations marketed in the US, highlighting a significant interdependency. Experts advocate for a more robust collaboration, particularly in establishing a comprehensive bone marrow registry in India.
Ray May, a health technology expert, emphasized the urgency: “India needs a registry of 80 million HLA-type people. It has around six million now, which is tiny compared to the need.” Integrating artificial intelligence into the registry could streamline the matching process and expand its applications in various medical treatments. Despite these advancements, logistical challenges such as India’s diverse population and infrastructure constraints remain obstacles.
- Proposed Solutions:
- Develop a national bone marrow registry with AI integration
- Enhance logistical frameworks to support registry expansion
- Foster public-private partnerships to drive health initiatives
Addressing Water Scarcity Challenges
Water scarcity is another pressing issue where India and the US can collaborate effectively. With India facing severe water quality crises, experts highlight the need for improved accessibility, health awareness, and infrastructure. Sanjana Jon, a filmmaker and environmental advocate, connected water scarcity to broader environmental concerns like glacier melting and rising sea levels.
According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the US National Climate Assessment, ice loss has been a major contributor to sea-level rise over recent decades. To combat this, initiatives like the H2O movement are crucial. This movement focuses on creating awareness and promoting actionable changes among citizens, such as establishing water holes and encouraging water conservation practices.
Key Initiatives:
- H2O Movement: Creating awareness and promoting conservation
- Water Holes: Establishing 776 water holes across India for clean water access
- Public Engagement: Educating youth and communities on sustainable water practices
Governance and Accountability in Water Management
Effective governance is essential to tackle India’s water crisis. The Falkenmark Water Index indicates that almost 76 percent of people in India are already living with water scarcity. Over-extraction of groundwater, inefficient management, rapid urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure are primary causes. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) reports widespread groundwater contamination with arsenic and fluoride across numerous districts.
Sanjana Jon questioned the current water usage practices, particularly in public facilities: “Why can’t just recycled water be used?” She highlighted support from organizations like PPVR and Inox for sustainable water management initiatives. Addressing these governance issues is vital for ensuring equitable water distribution and preserving natural water bodies.
Global Humanitarian Concerns and US Foreign Policy
India-US relations also intersect with broader global humanitarian issues. From the Ukraine-Russia conflict to tensions in the Middle East and the South China Sea, both nations recognize the importance of addressing these crises collaboratively. Bart Fisher, a Nobel Prize nominee author, praised US decisions like the Abraham Accords, which facilitated bilateral agreements between Israel and several Arab nations.
However, Fisher also raised concerns about perceived double standards in US foreign policy, particularly regarding human rights advocacy. This critique underscores the complexity of maintaining a balanced and effective partnership that aligns with both countries’ strategic interests and ethical standards.
A Call for Enhanced Collaboration
Industry leaders express optimism about the potential for deeper collaboration between India and the US in health and environmental sustainability. Addressing fundamental human needs like health and clean water requires a collective commitment from both governments and citizens. As geopolitical landscapes shift, the partnership between India and the US serves as a beacon for enhanced cooperation, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for both nations.
