INDIA-USA RELATIONS – INTERNATIONAL
News: Modi
says talks, decisions add a new chapter, Biden calls ties stronger, closer,
more dynamic
What's in the news?
● Framing
his country’s partnership with India among the “most consequential in the world” that is “stronger, closer and more dynamic than any time in history”, US
President Joe Biden, who held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
underlined the new strategic areas of
cooperation — from semiconductor supply to sharing critical and emerging
technologies, using new ways to diagnose and treat cancer to sending Indian
astronauts to space.
The
visit comes at a critical juncture when the global order is rapidly evolving,
demanding that India maintains its
strategic independence and geopolitical balance. The US has made
significant efforts to woo India in recent weeks, indicating a desire to forge
a strong partnership against China.
Changing Global Landscape
1. Rise of China:
● China
has emerged as a dominant global player economically,
technologically, and militarily.
● Its
rapid growth has challenged the traditional dominance of the United States and
other Western powers, leading to a reconfiguration of power dynamics.
2. Shifting Alliances:
● Traditional
alliances and partnerships have been reshaped, with countries seeking new
alignments to adapt to the changing global order.
● For
example, Russia and China have
strengthened their strategic partnership, while the United States has sought to
build closer ties with countries like India and strengthen existing alliances
like NATO.
3. Multilateralism under Strain:
● Multilateral
institutions and frameworks have faced challenges as countries assert their own
interests and pursue alternative approaches.
● The
US has shown skepticism towards certain multilateral agreements, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the
Iran nuclear deal, leading to re-evaluation of global governance
structures.
4. Regional Power Rivalries:
● Power
rivalries have intensified in various regions, such as the Middle East, the South China Sea, and Eastern Europe.
● Competing
interests and territorial disputes have created geopolitical tensions and
triggered conflicts in these regions.
5. Technological Advancements:
● Technological
advancements, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence,
cybersecurity, and space exploration, have transformed the global landscape.
● Countries
are vying for technological leadership
and developing strategies to harness emerging technologies for economic and
strategic advantages.
6. Global Challenges:
● Shared
global challenges, such as climate
change, pandemics, terrorism, and migration, have necessitated greater
international cooperation.
● These
challenges have highlighted the interconnectedness of nations and the need for
collective action to address them effectively.
Importance of India to USA:
1. Strategic Partnership:
● India's
strategic location in the Indo-Pacific
region makes it a crucial partner for the United States in maintaining
regional stability and countering the influence of China.
● India's
growing military capabilities, democratic values, and shared interests align
with American strategic objectives.
2. Economic Opportunities:
● India's rapidly growing
economy and large consumer market present
significant economic opportunities for American businesses.
● Collaborations
in trade, investment, and technology can benefit both countries and contribute
to economic growth, job creation, and market access.
3. Security Cooperation:
● India's
cooperation in security matters, including counterterrorism efforts, enhances
global security and strengthens the United States' fight against transnational
threats.
● Intelligence
sharing, defense collaboration, and joint military exercises foster mutual
security interests.
4. Shared Democratic Values:
● India, as the world's
largest democracy, shares core democratic
values with the United States.
● Collaboration
with India strengthens the community of democratic nations and reinforces
democratic norms globally.
5. Regional Stability:
● India's
engagement in the South Asian region contributes to regional stability,
economic development, and cooperation.
● Partnering
with India supports the United States' efforts to promote a rules-based order, peace, and security in
the Indo-Pacific region.
Challenges in India-US Relations:
1. Trade and Economic Issues:
● Despite
efforts to enhance economic cooperation, trade disputes and market access
barriers can strain India-US relations.
● Differences in
intellectual property rights, tariffs, and regulatory frameworks
can hinder trade relations and create tensions between the two countries.
2. Geopolitical Considerations:
● India's strategic
autonomy and its relationships with other countries, such as Russia and Iran,
could potentially create divergences with US interests.
● Balancing
between various regional powers and managing conflicting geopolitical dynamics
can present challenges in aligning strategies and priorities.
3. Differences in Foreign Policy Approaches:
● India
and the US have different approaches to certain foreign policy issues.
● For
example, India has historically pursued a policy of non-alignment, while the US
emphasizes alliances and partnerships.
● Differing
perspectives on specific regional issues, such as Afghanistan or the Middle
East, could lead to divergent policy
choices.
4. Climate Change and Environmental Priorities:
● While
both countries acknowledge the importance of addressing climate change,
differing priorities and strategies may impact cooperation in this area.
● The
US's focus on global climate initiatives and commitments may differ from
India's emphasis on developmental priorities and the need for technology
transfers.
5. Visa and Immigration Policies:
● Changes
in visa and immigration policies, such as restrictions
on H-1B visas, can impact the movement of professionals and students
between India and the US.
● This
can affect people-to-people ties, educational collaborations, and business
partnerships, thereby straining the bilateral relationship.
6. Domestic Political Factors:
● Domestic
political considerations in both countries can influence the direction of
India-US relations.
● Changes
in leadership, shifts in domestic priorities, and partisan politics can shape
policy choices and impact the overall relationship.
7. Perception Gaps and Cultural Differences:
● Differences
in perception, cultural norms, and understanding of each other's societies can
create challenges in communication and building mutual trust.
● Bridging
these gaps requires sustained efforts to enhance people-to-people ties,
cultural exchange, and educational collaborations.
WAY FORWARD
1. Enhanced Economic Cooperation:
● Both
countries can prioritize efforts to deepen
economic ties, promote trade and investment, and address trade barriers.
● Exploring
new sectors of collaboration, fostering innovation partnerships, and promoting
business-to-business interactions can further enhance economic cooperation.
2. Strategic and Security Cooperation:
● Strengthening
strategic and security cooperation is crucial in addressing shared challenges
such as counterterrorism, maritime
security, and regional stability.
● Regular
dialogues, joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense
technology collaborations can boletor defense and security ties.
3. Climate Change and Clean Energy Cooperation:
● Given
the urgency of addressing climate change, India and the US can collaborate on
clean energy technologies, renewable energy adoption, and climate resilience
efforts.
● Sharing
best practices, facilitating technology
transfers, and promoting joint research initiatives can contribute to
global climate goals.
4. Science, Technology, and Innovation Partnerships:
● India
and the US can leverage their strengths in science, technology, and innovation
to foster collaborations in areas such as healthcare, space exploration,
artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
● Joint
research projects, technology transfer agreements, and innovation hubs can fuel
innovation and economic grow in both countries.
5. Collaboration in Global Governance:
● India
and the US can work together to promote
multilateralism, reform international institutions, and address global
challenges.
● Coordination
in international forums such as the United Nations, G20, and regional
organizations can amplify their collective voice and influence.
Prime
Minister Modi's state visit to the US presents an opportunity to navigate the
evolving dynamics of India-US relations. Amidst a changing global order, India
must offer the US avenues beyond geopolitical
balance, particularly in healthcare, digitalization, multilateral engagement,
and collaboration in the Global South. By leveraging India's expertise and
fostering collaboration, both nations can strengthen their partnership and
address mutual challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities