Current State of India-US Relations

Source: The post Current State of India-US Relations has been created, based on the article “Sanjaya Baru writes: Is India-US partnership an uncertain love affair?” published in “Indian Express” on 26th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses how the India-US relationship has grown stronger over time, despite current challenges. It highlights issues like India’s NSA staying home, tensions with Khalistani activists, and the need for deeper conversations on key strategic issues beyond photo-ops.

For detailed information on India-U.S. relationship read Article 1, Article 2

What is the Current State of India-US Relations?

1. India and the US share a stronger relationship now than in the past.
2. Disagreements no longer disrupt their partnership. For example, despite challenges such as lawsuits involving Indian officials, the relationship remains stable.

Why Did the NSA Not Travel to the US?

1. Ajit Kumar Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, did not accompany Prime Minister Modi to the US. This was unusual as it was the first time since the NSA position was established in 1998.
2. Media reports suggest he stayed to monitor the situation in Jammu & Kashmir.
3. However, his absence might also be due to avoiding potential embarrassment from a lawsuit filed in New York by Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

What Are the Challenges in the India-US Relations?

1. Khalistani Activism: A lawsuit filed by Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against Indian officials, including NSA Ajit Doval, created diplomatic tensions.
2. US Handling of Sensitive Issues: US officials met Sikh activists before Modi-Biden talks, raising concerns about “transnational repression.”
3. Differences in Strategic Views: Disagreements on defense equipment sales, trade policies, and emerging technologies persist.
4. Diverging Foreign Policy Stances: India and the US differ on relations with Russia, China, and democracy in Bangladesh, complicating the strategic partnership.

What Should be Done?

1. Deeper Strategic Conversations: Both nations must engage in meaningful discussions beyond photo-ops, similar to the honest dialogues of the 1990s.
2. Clarify Strategic Interests: India and the US need to align on critical issues like defense sales and foreign policies, especially regarding Russia and China.
3. Diplomatic Sensitivities: Avoid public embarrassments like the Khalistani lawsuit and address concerns with clear communication.
4. Balance Domestic Politics: The Indian government should reconcile differences between official foreign policy and the narrative pushed by its supporters on social media.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges currently affecting India-US relations and what steps can be taken to strengthen their strategic partnership.