Last week, in the midst of an ongoing dramatic geopolitical reset, India and the United States etched a new chapter in their relationship. EPISODE #131
One of the best articles on this topical subject Anil. The added commentary by Nitin Gokhale, encapsuled the details 👌. Now it is no longer balancing India v/s Pakistan, as last done by the Obama administration; visiting both the countries and finally giving F 16 aircraft to Pakistan for fighting terrorism😉. This time India and US are both apprehensive of an assertive China, at the LAC and South China Sea, respectively. So it was a Jugalbandi, due to a need based, cautious alliance. Russia can no longer be depended upon and India had the foresight to implement a program for indigenous arms manufacturing, with advanced technology, shared by France and now US. The United States has alliances with Japan, South Korea and Australia in the West of China and with India in the South East of China. They are conducting war exercises in Guam and have placed an aircraft carrier in disputed Vietnamese waters. Chinese industrial production has slowed down and US is now tightening the screws. India stands to gain, if the astute Indian PM, steers the country into a position of strength in the troubled future. Thank you for a great write up.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and kind words.
Apologies for the delayed response.
You are absolutely right. This is a relationship based on mutual need. Which is actually a good thing. Transactional relationships, especially among countries, trump those based on so-called friendships.
This is exactly why India has been able to carve a space for itself in this relationship to keep its end of the bargain going with Russia. It has also made it possible to make commitments that allies are required to do.
In a world that is getting fragmented, a strategy of horses for courses makes a lot of sense.
You have analysed PMs high profile visit to the USA so well! it surely ushers in a new era in US - India relationship. But we all know Biden administration is primarily interested in India as a potential counterweight to China, which the USA sees as it's most formidable global competitor.US- India friendship will continue to grow as long as their shared concern over China remains!
While I agree with you on America's motivations, eventually the decision is with India. As of now, India has any suggestion that it is a counter-weight to China. In fact, PM Modi repeatedly made the point that India was unlike other big nations--it does not thirst power or territory. But, it will do everything within its powers to defend its borders.
Like I said India sees itself as part of the solution and not the problem That too me is the big legacy of the NDA.
Anil jugal bandi happens between two equals- two who are equally good at their respective skills. On this occasion jugal bandi was between Modi and Biden . For jugal bandi to happen between India and US we may have to wait for a few more years.
How come Modi could reach such stature in 9 years ? India Today says that the speed and scale at which Modi works is unprecedented. I will add that the mass popularity which Modi presently enjoys transcends the domestic borders. Domestically he has been elected twice and next year he may reach the Nehruvian scale . Globally the Indians abroad get sense of pride in reaching out to him . Did you see his Congress address as to how many times Kamala Hariss applauded him . Strong determination to succeed gives him an awesome personality. Thanks
That was very insightful of you. Brilliant. Thank you for that.
Agree with you, India has a long way to go before it matches up with the United States.
PM Modi's command of the global high table is remarkable. Like you point out, in such a short span. One, legacy is that India is now perceived to be part of the solution and not the problem--unlike earlier.
Looking forward to your continued participation and deep insights.
One of the best articles on this topical subject Anil. The added commentary by Nitin Gokhale, encapsuled the details 👌. Now it is no longer balancing India v/s Pakistan, as last done by the Obama administration; visiting both the countries and finally giving F 16 aircraft to Pakistan for fighting terrorism😉. This time India and US are both apprehensive of an assertive China, at the LAC and South China Sea, respectively. So it was a Jugalbandi, due to a need based, cautious alliance. Russia can no longer be depended upon and India had the foresight to implement a program for indigenous arms manufacturing, with advanced technology, shared by France and now US. The United States has alliances with Japan, South Korea and Australia in the West of China and with India in the South East of China. They are conducting war exercises in Guam and have placed an aircraft carrier in disputed Vietnamese waters. Chinese industrial production has slowed down and US is now tightening the screws. India stands to gain, if the astute Indian PM, steers the country into a position of strength in the troubled future. Thank you for a great write up.
Dear Gautam,
Thank you so much for your thoughts and kind words.
Apologies for the delayed response.
You are absolutely right. This is a relationship based on mutual need. Which is actually a good thing. Transactional relationships, especially among countries, trump those based on so-called friendships.
This is exactly why India has been able to carve a space for itself in this relationship to keep its end of the bargain going with Russia. It has also made it possible to make commitments that allies are required to do.
In a world that is getting fragmented, a strategy of horses for courses makes a lot of sense.
Looking forward to your contributions.
Best
Anil
Dear Anil,
You have analysed PMs high profile visit to the USA so well! it surely ushers in a new era in US - India relationship. But we all know Biden administration is primarily interested in India as a potential counterweight to China, which the USA sees as it's most formidable global competitor.US- India friendship will continue to grow as long as their shared concern over China remains!
Dear Vandana,
Thank you for your kind words.
While I agree with you on America's motivations, eventually the decision is with India. As of now, India has any suggestion that it is a counter-weight to China. In fact, PM Modi repeatedly made the point that India was unlike other big nations--it does not thirst power or territory. But, it will do everything within its powers to defend its borders.
Like I said India sees itself as part of the solution and not the problem That too me is the big legacy of the NDA.
Look forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil
Well written and simply put !
Thank you so much Shreekant. Great to see you back here in the comments section.
Best
Anil
Anil jugal bandi happens between two equals- two who are equally good at their respective skills. On this occasion jugal bandi was between Modi and Biden . For jugal bandi to happen between India and US we may have to wait for a few more years.
How come Modi could reach such stature in 9 years ? India Today says that the speed and scale at which Modi works is unprecedented. I will add that the mass popularity which Modi presently enjoys transcends the domestic borders. Domestically he has been elected twice and next year he may reach the Nehruvian scale . Globally the Indians abroad get sense of pride in reaching out to him . Did you see his Congress address as to how many times Kamala Hariss applauded him . Strong determination to succeed gives him an awesome personality. Thanks
Dear Balesh,
That was very insightful of you. Brilliant. Thank you for that.
Agree with you, India has a long way to go before it matches up with the United States.
PM Modi's command of the global high table is remarkable. Like you point out, in such a short span. One, legacy is that India is now perceived to be part of the solution and not the problem--unlike earlier.
Looking forward to your continued participation and deep insights.
Best
Anil