Article

Biden Administration and the Indo-Pacific Axis

By : K.P. Vijayalakshmi

Page No: 154-168

Abstract

More than ten years since the “Indo-Pacific” was added to the geopolitical lexicon, the region has continued to receive elevated global attention while also witnessing a transformed relationship between the US and India. The Trump administration reconstructed US strategy in the Indian Ocean region, broadening both its scope and concept, and positioned the Quad countries and especially India at the centre of its plans. The change in US leadership has raised questions about continued American commitment. Biden administration, however, has positively signalled not only towards building and maintaining the momentum vis-à-vis the Indo Pacific but also coordinating closely with its regional allies/ key partners like India. This paper analyses the evolution of the US’ Indo Pacific Strategy, its approach towards China as it moved from an ‘engage but hedge’ to ‘compete, counter and confront’ policy and the possible motivations of US engagement towards a strategic alignment that will consolidate momentum on an Indo-Pacific Axis.

Author :

K.P. Vijayalakshmi, is Professor of US Studies, Centre for Canadian, US & Latin American Studies, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi. She is Senior Fulbright scholar, Salzburg Fellow, Adjunct Faculty (NIAS), Bengaluru.