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New Delhi must be prepared to build a solid foundation with the US as it is perceived as one of the most consequential global partnerships. The good news is that India is positioned better than most of America’s partners. India’s current leadership, fortunately, has had the opportunity to work with both Republican and Democrat administrations, which is with former President Trump (Republican) and President Biden (Democrat).
Similarly, whether it is the Republican candidate, former President Trump or the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, New Delhi’s relations with Washington will continue towards an upward arc.
Unlike America’s allies in Europe and Asia, who are generally worried about Trump returning, India continues to remain steadfast in strengthening its ties with the US. India has the experience of working with both sides. So the confidence is evident.
Yet, being complacent is something that India can ill afford and must be prepared to deal with any incremental or radical changes within domestic US politics that could have a spillover effect on the bilateral relations.
Holistically speaking, India’s relations with the US are the most comprehensive. Yes, China is the largest trading partner, but it is also the biggest contributor to India’s trade deficit. Also, the geopolitical tensions and unresolved confrontations have brought both the neighbours to a stalemate. Meanwhile, Russia does hold strategic importance for India; however, in comparison to the US, it is not so economically or technologically hefty. Europe has created its own space within the framework of Indian foreign policy, but it still lacks the geopolitical importance that the US has. This perhaps contributes to the national security interests and objectives of India.
The highly successful 5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the US also plays a significant role. Furthermore, America’s corporate sector plays a vital role in ensuring the US engagement with the world. The growing volume of trade and boosts between the tech sectors of both countries have created a reliable partner for India.
Despite the achievements and the growth rate of India-US ties, a pang of pessimism looms over the discourse with respect to the intellectual, academia, media and think tanks. The gap between public opinion and the strategic evolution of the India-US partnership is real. There is a real need to fill in those gaps.
India has great leverage of being intensively engaged with the working styles of both successive Republican and Democratic policy establishments. This has also expanded and reinforced the Track 2 engagements between India and the American strategic community. The best part is that India has managed to garner support from both sides of the aisle.
While New Delhi has an idea about Trump’s global policy stances. But Harris seems to be a mystery when it comes to foreign policy. However, some of the issues related to the internet in India are immigration, trade, technology, and Eurasian security.
A sticky issue of immigration is going to be something New Delhi must swallow. However, as long as the US needs to import global talent and the immigration process emphasises the merit system, India does not need to give a penny’s thought to the issue. However, US politics views immigration as a toxic and raging issue, so New Delhi has to tread wisely here.
One of the good things about the Trump administration was its transactional and no-nonsensical approach towards issues. But at the same time, the biggest disadvantage was the radical changes and unwillingness to leave room for any further discussion. The rigidity was somehow stifling.
Similarly, the Democrats advocate for an overhaul of the system and act like an umbrella-like structure. However, the biggest con of working with Democrats is that more than politicians, they act like activists. The front may have leaders like Biden or Harris, but the real power lies with the so-called Democrat stalwarts and ventriloquists. The ideological baggage seems like an unnecessary burden. For now, it is being speculated that Harris would continue with the Biden policy vis a vis resilient supply chain, advancing and transforming technology with its key partners. This finds strong resonance in India.
India has again proved that it values all its partners equally. The Russian equation will be a complicated issue between India and the US. However, the recent sojourn of PM Modi to Ukraine displays that India is capable of carefully traversing the geopolitical minefield between Russia, Europe, and America. India does not believe that zero-sum games can be applied here.
The China challenge within the Asian security paradigm is the biggest strategic convergence between India and the US in the present times. The shared interest in containing China is unlikely to see any change despite the change in regime within the US. The US is trying to limit China’s potential hegemony in the Indo-Pacific. Consequently, India must remind America of its strategic power and importance from time to time. India must be seen as an independent entity and not as a plus one or dumbed down to a country that is seen as disposable as soon as the Chinese challenge is over.
Additionally, India must be prepared to prevent any natural differences from escalating into disputes. Experiences always help, but India must focus on sustaining the galvanised momentum with Washington vis a vis the upcoming administration.
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