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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States marks a pivotal moment in India-US relations, showcasing a complex tapestry of shared interests and evolving challenges. The visit encompasses a range of engagements, including the Quad summit, meetings with American CEOs and the Indian diaspora, and potential bilateral talks with other world leaders. While the potential for a meeting with former US President Donald Trump remains unclear, the focus remains on solidifying strategic partnerships and addressing key areas of convergence and divergence. The article delves into the intricacies of these interactions, highlighting the significance of the Quad framework in a shifting geopolitical landscape, the progress made under the Biden administration, and the enduring complexities that characterize the bilateral relationship.
The Quad summit, hosted by President Biden in Delaware, takes on a crucial role amidst global uncertainties. Despite the recent political turmoil within the US and Japan, the shared challenge posed by China's assertive foreign policy continues to bind the Quad members together. The Quad's relevance is reinforced by the recognition from both major US political parties of China's growing influence. The article notes that while the Quad serves as a counterbalance to China's ambitions, the economic ties between the Quad nations and China prevent a complete confrontation, demonstrating the delicate balance in regional dynamics.
The Biden administration has, on the whole, strengthened ties with India. Modi's state visit and address to the US Congress were significant milestones, signaling the growing importance of the bilateral relationship. While differences regarding India's ties with Russia, including its purchase of discounted oil and its stance on the Ukraine conflict, persist, the US and India have managed to contain these tensions. The article highlights the positive advancements made in defense cooperation, particularly in areas like technology transfer and co-production of critical components for India's defense infrastructure. However, the progress in these areas has been hindered by supply chain issues and US concerns about technology leakage to Russia.
Beyond defense cooperation, the India-US partnership extends to the critical and emerging technologies sector under the ICET agreement. This initiative aims to foster collaboration in areas like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, reflecting a shared ambition to shape the future of technological development. The article notes that the ICET's progress is hampered by complex US technology control mechanisms and concerns about potential technology transfer to Russia. The INDUS X, an India-US Defence Acceleration Eco-System launched during the Biden presidency, further strengthens cooperation between startups from both countries.
While the Biden administration has elevated the Quad to the summit level, the article points out inconsistencies in US policy towards the Indo-Pacific region. The US's intervention in Bangladesh, which resulted in the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power, has dealt a significant blow to India's strategic interests in the region, potentially benefiting China. The article highlights the US's focus on the Pacific region, particularly the Taiwan and Philippines issues, while overlooking India's security concerns in the Indian Ocean. This divergence in priorities raises questions about the US's long-term commitment to India's security in the region.
The article concludes by acknowledging the complexities of the India-US relationship, highlighting the US's activism on human rights issues in India, which has caused friction. Despite these challenges, the author emphasizes the need to capitalize on shared interests and navigate the complexities of the relationship for the mutual benefit of both nations. The article underscores that both the Trump and Biden administrations valued the India-US partnership, demonstrating the long-term potential for collaboration even as the political landscape evolves.
Source: PM Modi’s US Visit: Time to Capitalise on Shared Interests