The “Deep State” is a term often used to describe the network of bureaucrats, intelligence officials, corporate executives, and lobbyists who operate beyond the scrutiny of democratic institutions, influencing policies and shaping the strategic trajectory of nations. In the United States, this apparatus has long played a decisive role in advancing America’s geopolitical and economic goals. Among its areas of focus, India has emerged as a pivotal partner in the U.S.’s long-term strategy, not just for its growing global stature but also for its ability to counterbalance regional powers like China. The U.S. Deep State’s interest in India is a complex tapestry of economic opportunities, geopolitical strategy, and soft power influence.
India’s significance in global geopolitics is undeniable. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and an economy projected to surpass $10 trillion by 2030, India is both a lucrative market and a crucial strategic ally. The U.S. sees India as central to its Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at countering China’s assertiveness. The Indo-Pacific, home to key trade routes and economic hubs, is critical for global stability. In this context, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) has explicitly recognized India as a cornerstone of its strategy. This is further evident in India’s active participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia, aimed at ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
India’s geographic location amplifies its importance. Sitting at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, through which 80% of the world’s oil trade passes, India controls critical maritime chokepoints. The U.S. Deep State views India’s naval assets, particularly its bases in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as essential in countering China’s “string of pearls” strategy—a network of Chinese-backed ports and bases aimed at encircling India. Joint military exercises like Malabar underscore the collaboration between the U.S. and India in securing maritime security. Furthermore, agreements like the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) have strengthened defense ties, allowing India access to advanced U.S. geospatial intelligence and secure communication systems. Between 2008 and 2023, U.S. defense exports to India surged from $1 billion to $20 billion, reflecting the growing strategic alignment.
The economic dimensions of this partnership are equally significant. India’s economy, growing at over 6.5% annually, is projected to become the third-largest globally by 2027. With a consumer market expected to reach $6 trillion by 2030, India is a magnet for U.S. corporations. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple have heavily invested in the Indian market, leveraging its digital boom and manufacturing capabilities. For instance, Google’s $10 billion investment in India’s digitization initiative underscores the tech sector’s importance, while Apple has increased its local manufacturing footprint, producing 7% of its iPhones in India by 2023, up from just 1% in 2021. Meanwhile, Amazon has committed $15 billion to expand its operations in the country by 2030.
Beyond direct investments, the U.S. has also positioned itself as a key player in India’s technological ecosystem. India’s $245 billion IT industry relies heavily on partnerships with American firms. Approximately 70% of H-1B visas issued annually by the U.S. go to Indians, highlighting the interdependence between the two nations in tech talent and innovation. However, this integration is not without strings attached, as the U.S. Deep State has sought to influence Indian policies on intellectual property rights, data-sharing agreements, and digital trade rules to favour American corporations.
The influence of the U.S. Deep State in India extends beyond economic and military domains into the realms of culture, media, and civil society. American think tanks like the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Brookings Institution often publish influential reports on India’s socio-political landscape. While these reports can contribute to meaningful debates, they frequently align with U.S. strategic interests. For instance, India’s downgrade in democracy rankings by organizations like Freedom House in 2023 was widely interpreted as an attempt to pressure India on trade and policy matters. Similarly, NGOs funded by U.S.-based organizations, such as the Ford Foundation and the Open Society Foundations, have faced scrutiny in India for allegedly advancing foreign agendas under the guise of activism. In 2015, the Indian government banned foreign funding for 69 NGOs, including Greenpeace India, citing national security concerns and disruption to industrial projects that challenged U.S. energy interests.
The role of intelligence and covert operations also cannot be overlooked. Leaked documents from Edward Snowden in 2013 revealed that India was among the top five countries targeted by the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) for surveillance, including monitoring Indian political leaders, defense establishments, and economic institutions. Although overt meddling in Indian elections has not been proven, U.S. officials have historically supported candidates and parties whose policies align with American interests. This surveillance and covert influence reflect the Deep State’s broader strategy of maintaining leverage over India’s decision-making processes.
The cultural and academic soft power exerted by the U.S. further reinforces its influence. Programs like Fulbright scholarships and Ivy League collaborations shape the perspectives of India’s emerging leaders, while Hollywood and American social media platforms dominate cultural narratives. The sheer reach of platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter in shaping Indian public opinion cannot be understated. These platforms often serve as conduits for promoting American values, consumer culture, and even political ideals, subtly aligning Indian mindsets with U.S. interests.
The data supporting these activities paints a compelling picture of the depth and breadth of U.S. influence in India. Bilateral trade reached $191 billion in 2023, making the U.S. India’s largest trading partner. Defense agreements have facilitated the transfer of advanced military technologies, and over 1,000 American companies now operate in India, employing millions. Meanwhile, India accounted for over $85 billion in services exports to the U.S. in 2022, highlighting the mutual economic interdependence.
This intricate interplay of military cooperation, economic ties, cultural influence, and covert operations underscores the U.S. Deep State’s long-term strategy to secure its interests in India. While this relationship offers immense opportunities for collaboration, it also poses challenges to India’s sovereignty. The Deep State’s methods of influence, ranging from shaping media narratives to leveraging intelligence operations, require India to remain vigilant in safeguarding its autonomy.
As India continues its ascent on the global stage, it must carefully navigate its partnership with the U.S., balancing the benefits of collaboration with the need to protect its strategic independence. Understanding the mechanisms of the U.S. Deep State’s influence is not merely an academic exercise but a necessity for ensuring that India’s rise is shaped by its own priorities and not external agendas. The stakes are high, as the decisions made today will determine the trajectory of Indo-U.S. relations and India’s place in the world order.
