The United States can capitalize on its relationship with India to launch a South Asia Infrastructure Plan that uses U.S.-backed and private financing, India’s regional presence and both countries’ technical expertise to significantly contribute to the region’s immense infrastructure needs. Such a vision could see support from regional multilateral development banks like the Asian Development Bank. Notably, India and the United States already have a basis for joint action in the sustainable, transparent and quality infrastructure domain, which is emphasized in their third India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue Joint Statement. However, up until now, joint collaboration in third countries in the region has been lacking. Such a plan would demonstrate the commitment of both countries to the region and help initiate better ties with regional small and middle powers which are being increasingly drawn into a Chinese sphere of influence. This would be a challenge to China’s speedy rise in the region, which seems to be eroding the space for both Indian and American interests.

Ultimately, the Indian and American leaderships must treat the region as a theatre of opportunity for both states. By envisioning a stronger, more resilient economic and security partnership framework underpinned by democratic values to take forward the Quad’s regional agenda, it can build a democratic order in the Indo-Pacific region that is resilient and sustainable. This democratic order would be capable of challenging the autocratic push that undermines international law, order, peace, and prosperity. While the United States faces an intense power competition with China in the global sphere, India faces a similar contest for primacy in its neighborhood. Therefore, it is more important than ever that both states support each other and garner support from their like-minded partners. They should build the Quad into a force and expand the bloc of countries over time to ensure the longevity of its plans and implemented actions.

Dr. Jagannath Panda is a Research Fellow and Centre Coordinator for East Asia at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. Dr. Panda is the Series Editor for “Routledge Studies on Think Asia.”

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