Aspen Strategy Group

Past meetings of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue

U.S.-India Dialogue (January 2013)
The Aspen Strategy Group and Aspen India organized the 18th session of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi at a challenging time for an Indian government that is trying to restore momentum to its stalled economic reform agenda and deal with corruption scandals.  A new feature at this meeting was to divide the delegates into small breakout groups around individual areas of expertise (cyberspace, defense technology, homeland security, and energy) to allow for a more concentrated discussion.  As in the past, the American delegation met with a wide array of senior leaders in the Indian government, including National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Sachin Pilot, and Chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India Nandan Nilekani.  The 18th session of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue concluded with a commitment to assemble a list of steps to invigorate the U.S.-India bilateral relationship.

U.S.-India Dialogue (May 2012)
Following Secretary Clinton’s recent visit to India, the Aspen Strategy Group’s U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue convened in Washington D.C. from May 11-13th, 2012 for the 17th Session on the bilateral relationship. The high-level Indian delegation included representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of External Affairs, members of Parliament, academics, journalists and industry leaders. On May 11th, the Indian delegation met with a variety of senior U.S. officials—Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey; Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute; and Under Secretary of State William Burns—to discuss shared strategic interests between the U.S. and India in the context of President Obama’s recent ‘pivot’ to Asia. These meetings were followed by two days of roundtable sessions in which participants gathered for an Aspen-style informal and off-the-record discussion that addressed key outstanding issues in the U.S.-India bilateral relationship: the defense relationship, export controls, Afghanistan and Pakistan, China and Iran. The session served as a critical inspection of these key issues that will continue to bear an ever-greater influence on the strength of the U.S.-India relationship. The Aspen strategy Group, in collaboration with Aspen India, has used the Dialogue to ensure the continued regional and global relevance of the U.S.-India relationship. 

U.S.-India Dialogue  (December 2011)
The 16th Dialogue meeting in New Delhi served as a useful stocktaking exercise, one year after President Obama’s historic visit to India.  The American and Indian delegates took a careful look at the progress made on the goals and initiatives announced during the President’s visit.  This meeting also took a look at the shared foreign policy and security questions both countries face in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Finally, the two groups discussed India’s potential future engagement and role in the wider world, especially in the Asia Pacific region.  Outside the roundtable discussions, the American delegation paid visits to key Indian officials, such as Minister of Home Affairs P Chidambaram, National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon, and Minister of Finance Pranab Mukherjee.  The meeting also included keynote addresses by Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Chief of Naval Staff Nirmal Verma.

U.S.-India Dialogue  (January 2011)
Following President Obama’s visit to India in November, the Aspen Strategy Group traveled to New Delhi from January 13-15, 2011, for the fifteenth convening of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue.  On January 13, the US delegation met with a variety of senior Indian officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, to discuss the geopolitical landscape, as well as India’s recent domestic policy. This was followed by two days of roundtable sessions, in which participants gathered for an Aspen-style, informal, and off-the-record discussion.  Our roundtable sessions addressed topics including the state of the U.S.-India relationship following the presidential visit, bilateral economic cooperation and inclusive growth, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the global commons, the G-20 and the global financial order, and China.  The ASG, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry as well as Aspen India, continually explores ways in which the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue can evolve and adapt to the changing nature of this important partnership, and has already begun efforts towards further facilitating and expanding these important conversations for our next meeting. 

Articles from this session:
India and Pakistan on the Brink, David Ignatius, Washington Post
Opponent of my Opponent, Bruce Stokes, National Journal

U.S.-India Dialogue  (August 2010)
The fourteenth session of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue convened in Washington, DC, and Aspen, Colorado, from August 3-6, to discuss the upcoming visit to India by U.S. President Barack Obama and assess the opportunities and challenges both countries will have to navigate before and during his trip. The delegations delved deeply into specific areas of concern for this strategic partnership: the war and development efforts in Afghanistan, the critical role Pakistan is playing in the region, China’s ambitions in the region, the consequences of climate change and its implications for energy security, the challenges we face vis-à-vis Iran, and the prospects for a broader US-India economic partnership.  Prior to the roundtable sessions in Aspen, the Indian delegation met in Washington, DC, with U.S. government officials to receive a thorough assessment of the new administration’s approach towards India. In attendance were Larry Summers, Director of the National Economic Council; General James Jones, National Security Advisor; Timothy Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury; Daniel Poneman, Deputy Secretary of Energy; and James Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of State.  Following several days of meaningful discussion, key areas of cooperation were identified, including joint energy and green-building projects, and the expansion of cultural and educational exchanges.

U.S.-India Dialogue (January 2010)
On the heels of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's state visit to Washington, the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue convened in New Delhi during January 7-12, 2010, for the thirteenth meeting of the track II initiative. A new administration in Washington and the strengthened Congress Party in Delhi were key areas of discussion for this growing relationship. The meeting also sought to identify whether an overarching "big idea" would be needed to propel the relationship forward in the coming years. The delegations engaged in a series of roundtable discussions on energy and climate change, U.S. and Indian roles in rebuilding Afghanistan, volatility in Pakistan, the rise of China, the global economic recession, and transnational development opportunities. Following the roundtable, the U.S. delegation met with key Indian government officials including: S M Krishna, External Affairs Minister; M K Narayanan, National Security Adviser; Sachin Pilot, Minister of State for Communication and IT; Nirmal Varma, Naval Chief of Staff; Nirupama Rao, Foreign Secretary; and Montek Singh (Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission). For this meeting, the ASG commissioned papers to lead the discussions in New Delhi.  A list of the paper authors and titles from the U.S. delegation is below:

Articles from this session:
Friendship, Warily, National Journal, February 17, 2010
As Obama Bets on Asia, Regional Players Hedge, Washington Post, February 16, 2010

U.S.-India Dialogue  (December 2008) 
Held a week after the tragic Mumbai attacks and during a critical time of transition for the U.S. government, Indian and American delegates convened for the 12th session of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue in Washington, DC from December 5-9.  The American and Indian delegations met for two days of roundtable discussions with topics ranging from transnational issues to the defense partnership. With the tragedy in Mumbai still fresh on their minds, the participants focused their attention on fostering cooperation on methods of counterterrorism and national security. Furthermore, to acknowledge the world’s increasing reliance on technology, participants debated various approaches on cyber-security. Following these discussions, the Indian delegation met with a number of senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, and Senators Lugar, Kerry, and Cornyn.

U.S.-India Dialogue (April 2008)
In light of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and the ever growing crisis in Tibet, India finds itself in a region of political turmoil, but also on the threshold of opportunity in its emergence as a solid democratic leader. In the eleventh session of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, participants focused on the struggle to reach new diplomatic heights given the rapid progression of recent events. The dialogue, co-hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, utilized the insights of Indian and American senior level government officials, journalists, military officials, and academics to analyze, debate, and predict the future path of U.S.-India relations. The American and Indian delegations convened for two days of roundtable discussions on joint energy challenges, the ever-evolving defense and economic relationship, the situation in Pakistan, and impending transnational challenges and opportunities that will greet the next U.S. administration. The American delegation continued the dialogue outside the forum in meetings with numerous Indian officials including India's Chief of Naval Staff and the National Security Adviser to hear directly from key policymakers on their aspirations for the relationship. This dialogue, now in its eleventh session, embodies the trajectory of the US-India relationship through its burgeoning relationships, frank discussion, and a desire to cooperate even further in the days ahead.

U.S.-India Dialogue (September 2007)
As the controversial 123 Agreement maneuvers through the Indian Parliament, the achievements and potential of the ever-deepening relationship between the U.S. and India were measured in the tenth session of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue held in Washington, D.C. September 13-18th, 2007. Hosted by the Aspen Strategy Group and co-hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, the dialogue brought together government officials, academics, military officers, and journalists from the United States and India in a continued effort to promote high level communication and understanding on the issues, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the burgeoning partnership of the two countries. During two days of roundtable discussions, the Indian and American delegations covered the status of the nuclear deal, new directions and alliances in Indian foreign policy, the emerging U.S.-India defense and economic relationship, and common transnational challenges facing both countries in the coming decade.  Following the roundtable discussions, the visiting Indian delegation attended meetings with senior administration members, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Deputy National Security Advisor James F. Jeffrey, while also spending time on Capitol Hill and in meetings with USTR. This session's dialogue, during a potentially momentous time, was particularly strong and encouraged future discussions. Both ASG and CII remain committed to providing both countries this valuable venue to generate ideas in an open and candid manner.

U.S.-India Dialogue (January 2007)
Weeks after President Bush's signing of the Henry Hyde U.S.-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act, the Aspen Strategy Group led a delegation to New Delhi for the ninth U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue January 11-17, 2007. Co-hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Dialogue facilitated high-level discussion among key representatives from government, business, military, and media circles. Highlights of the Dialogue included private meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The U.S. delegation also convened in a roundtable format with Indian counterparts to discuss such topics as Indian Parliamentary follow up to the Hyde Act, bilateral economic and military ties, transnational challenges, and regional issues surrounding the Middle East, China, and India's neighbors. In this first session since the November 2006 shift in the U.S. Congress, both sides recognized the growing importance of the dynamic political landscapes in the United States and India.

U.S.-India Dialogue (June 2006)
Against the backdrop of Congressional debate regarding the proposed civil nuclear deal with India, the Aspen Strategy Group hosted the eighth U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue June 16-20, 2006.  Co-sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Dialogue brought Indian diplomats, business leaders, and Members of Parliament to Washington to discuss critical issues with their American counterparts.  Roundtable sessions gave the delegations an opportunity for dialogue on pertinent topics, ranging from President Bush's recent trip to India and the pending nuclear agreement to the implications for the two partners of global climate change, economic exchange, and developments within Pakistan.  The Aspen Strategy Group also arranged meetings for the Indian delegation with senior U.S. government officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace, Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England, Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, Counselor to the State Department Philip Zelikow, and Senator John Cornyn.

U.S.-India Dialogue (December 2005)
On the heels of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's breakthrough visit to Washington in July, the Aspen Strategy Group hosted a delegation from India as part of the seventh U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue in St. Michaels, Maryland and Washington, D.C.  The Dialogue, co-sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industry, allowed members of the Indian delegation - which included diplomats, parliamentarians, journalists, and members of the business, military and scientific communities - to meet with their American counterparts in a candid setting.  The discussion touched on a range of issues, including political and economic ties, military cooperation, regional concerns, the energy crisis, and transnational challenges such as improving healthcare and combating poverty and climate change.  In addition, the Dialogue facilitated meetings between the Indian delegation and key members of the administration and Congress, including Senator Dick Lugar and Under Secretary of Defense Eric Edelman.  The Aspen Strategy Group marked the close of the program with a public panel discussion at the Aspen Institute's offices.

U.S.-India Dialogue (March 2005)
The Aspen Strategy Group led a high-level delegation to New Delhi and Jaipur, India in March for the sixth installment of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue, co-sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industry. The delegation met with leaders of India's national security and foreign policy establishment, as well as acting Indian government officials for off-the-record discussions on the U.S.-India partnership in areas such as defense, economics, HIV/AIDs, and developments in the broader South Asian region. The Dialogue provides an opportunity for Americans and Indians to explore critical and evolving aspects of the relationship while forming bonds with each other as individuals. Delegation members included former national security advisor and Aspen Strategy Group co-chair Brent Scowcroft, former assistant secretary of defense and Aspen Strategy Group co-chair Joseph Nye, former secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig as well as former deputy national security adviser James Steinberg.

U.S.-India Dialogue (October 2004)
Complementing the February visit to India by a high-level Aspen Strategy Group delegation, the Confederation of Indian Industry assembled a delegation of senior Indian policy makers, academics, business leaders, and journalists to come to Washington, D.C. in October 2004.  The visit began with a two-day session at Wye River with ASG members and other special guests that focused on the U.S.-India defense relationship, proliferation, bilateral economic relations, and the U.S. elections.  Following that two-day event, the members of the Indian delegation attended a number of briefings with key officials of the U.S. administration.  The highlight was a visit to the Pentagon to meet with Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and General Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff.  The group also met with Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.

U.S.-India Dialogue (February 2004)
A high-level Aspen Strategy Group delegation which included two former national security advisors and a deputy secretary of state traveled to India February 3-6, 2004 in the fourth installment of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue co-organized by the Aspen Strategy Group and the Confederation of Indian Industry.  The delegation met with Indian security experts and government officials, including the Ministers of Defense, External Affairs, Finance, Commerce and Law, as well as Indias National Security Advisor.  Discussion centered on such topics as the areas of U.S.-Indian cooperation outlined in January by President Bush and Prime Minister Vajpayee, unfolding India-Pakistan peace talks, Indias role vis--vis the NPT regime, the security landscape in Asia, bilateral economic relations, and outsourcing. 

U.S.-India Dialogue (October 2003)
The Aspen Strategy Group and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) held the latest round of dialogue in Washington, D.C. on October 5-9, 2003, which included a meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell and other senior government officials. In addition to sharing assessments and goals for the relationship, the Indian and American participants discussed, among other topics, the reconstruction of Iraq, the WTO ministerial in Cancun, relations between the U.S. and Pakistan, and implications of the glide path agreement on high-tech, space and nuclear power. The groups on both sides consisted of several top officials, former officials and opinion makers from the media.

U.S.-India Dialogue (August 2002)
In this round of the dialogue, a delegation from India joined Aspen Strategy Group members at Aspen Meadows, the Aspen Institute campus in Colorado. The delegation then traveled to Washington, DC where they met with Colin Powell, Paula Dobriansky, Robert Zoellick, and other administration officials. In these meetings, participants continued to explore the U.S.-India relationship as well as how that relationship impacts other regions in the world from an economic, political, security and health standpoint.

U.S.-India Dialogue (January 2002)
In January 2002 the Aspen Strategy Group launched a Track II effort, U.S.-India Dialogue, a joint project between the ASG and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). For the first meetings in the series, a high-level American delegation traveled to Udaipur, India and attended a three-day conference with Indian counterparts before continuing on to New Delhi to meet with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and other senior Indian government officials. The final stop for the American delegation was Islamabad, Pakistan, where they met with senior government officials, including President Pervez Musharraf, to discuss the mounting tension between Pakistan and India, and the new era of U.S.-Pakistan relations.

America and India (May 2000)
On the heels of President Clinton's March 2000 visit to South Asia, the Aspen Strategy Group assembled 30 foreign policy experts to analyze the political, economic, and security issues and the impact of these issues on the relationship between India and the United States. Five senior government officials, including the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and the Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security, joined 11 ASG members and three former American ambassadors to India for two days of discussions on the Indian-American relationship.