Sobriety after the euphoria of the U.S. state visit

Source: The post is based on the article “Sobriety after the euphoria of the U.S. state visit” published in “The Hindu” on 8th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

About historical development of India US relations

In the past, U.S.-India relations have seen their share of disappointments, notably during the tenures of U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. Johnson denied aid to India during the 1962 China-India conflict, and Nixon made a show of force during the 1971 India-Pakistan conflict, causing strain in the relationship.

However, the recent state visit by Indian PM to the U.S. marks a significant shift in this relationship. The U.S. demonstrated its clear support for India, promising technology transfer in critical areas like fighter jet engines production and other emerging technologies. This can significantly boost India’s military and aerospace capabilities.

What are the major differences in India’s previous visits then and now?

Earlier Visits: Visits by early Indian Prime Ministers, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, were foundational, setting the groundwork for future relations. Some visits faced challenges, like Indira Gandhi’s, which was considered a disaster due to disagreements between both nations.

Rajiv Gandhi’s visit: Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to the U.S. was considered successful and it broke many past barriers in Indo-U.S. relations.

Manmohan Singh’s visit (2005): During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2005, India achieved a civil nuclear cooperation between India and the U.S.

The most recent visit by Prime Minister Modi witnessed significant advancements in defense and technology collaborations, showcasing the enhanced position of India as a prime defense technological partner of the U.S.

How the civil nuclear deal marked a shift in India- us relationship?

The civil nuclear deal was a significant milestone in the India-US relationship for several reasons:

Waiver and approvals: The U.S. helped India secure a waiver under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and approval of the U.S. Congress for the 123 Agreement, enabling India to reach an India-specific Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These were exceptional achievements that had few parallels in global history.

India’s unique position: As a result of this deal, India has the ability to keep some reactors outside IAEA safeguards, allowing them to be utilized for military purposes. This unprecedented freedom reflects a remarkable shift in India’s global standing.

In essence, the civil nuclear deal marked a shift in the India-US relationship by elevating it to a level of strategic cooperation, mutual respect, and global significance that was unprecedented.

Why India should be cautious?

History of changing alliances: The U.S. has been known to change its priorities and allies based on its strategic interests, often influenced by the preferences of its current President. This dynamic and unpredictable nature of U.S. foreign policy makes it important for India to remain cautious and not overly reliant.

Circumstance vs conviction: The present positive shift in U.S.-India relations appears to be more driven by changing global circumstances, such as the rise of China, rather than an inherent shift in U.S. perceptions about India. It’s important to remember that circumstances can change.

Differences in alliances: India is not currently the kind of ally that the U.S. typically seeks. For example, India wouldn’t be able to be part of an arrangement like the AUKUS Pact, which involves deep strategic commitments between the U.S., the UK, and Australia. The fundamentals underlying the Quad (comprising India, Japan, Australia, and the U.S.) and AUKUS are quite different.

Potential as a ‘Bridge Power’: India has the potential to act as a ‘bridge power’, mediating between conflicting parties in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Europe. India should seize this opportunity to assert its position on the global stage, instead of being overly influenced by any one power.